Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple

The Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is a significant Hindu temple located in Aranmula, a village in the Pathanamthitta District of Kerala, South India. Situated on the southern bank of the Pamba River, it is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is venerated in the form of Parthasarathy, meaning Arjuna's charioteer. The temple is constructed in the distinctive Kerala style of architecture and holds the esteemed position of being one of the "Divya Desams," the 108 sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu revered by the ancient Alvar saints.

Legend and Religious Significance

The temple is deeply interwoven with the epic Mahabharata. According to legend, the five Pandava princes, after their exile, installed tutelary images of Vishnu at various locations. The Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is believed to have been built by Arjuna, the third Pandava prince, to expiate the sin of killing Karna, an unarmed enemy, on the battlefield. Another legend states that the temple's image was brought to this site on a raft made of six pieces of bamboo, giving rise to the name "Aranmula" (meaning six pieces of bamboo).

This temple is considered one of the most important Krishna temples in Kerala and is one of the five ancient shrines in the region connected to the Mahabharata narrative. It is also a place where Lord Vishnu is believed to have revealed the knowledge of creation to Lord Brahma. The presiding deity is in the Vishvarupa form, as shown to Arjuna during the Kurukshetra war, symbolizing the Lord's compassion. The temple is also known as the abode of the "Annadana Prabhu" (The Lord who provides food), and a ritualistic feast performed here is believed to protect devotees from poverty.

Architecture and Artistry

The Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple exemplifies the traditional Kerala architectural style. It features an elevated structure reached by steps, with a two-storied gopuram. The temple complex is enclosed by a rectangular wall, the Kshetra-Madilluka, with gateways. Notable architectural elements include the Dwajasthambam (flagpost), Deepastamba (light post), and the Chuttuambalam (outer pavilion). The central shrine, Sreekovil, houses the standing, four-armed image of Lord Vishnu as Parthasarathy, which is 6 feet tall and the tallest among Krishna idols in Kerala. The Sreekovil itself has a circular plan with a granite base, laterite superstructure, and a conical terracotta tile roof supported by a wooden structure. The outer walls of the sanctum are adorned with lamps, and the temple walls feature paintings dating back to the early 18th century. Lavish wood and stucco carvings depicting stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharatha are also prominent.

Festivals and Rituals

Aranmula is renowned for its annual snake boat race, held during the Onam festival, which commemorates the legend of a poor Hindu who helped Arjuna cross the Pamba River. This event attracts thousands of visitors and features large snake boats with numerous rowers and singers. The annual Utsavam commences on Atham Nakshatra in the month of Makara and concludes ten days later on Thiruvonam day, with the Garuda Vahanam Ezhunellippu being a major event. The temple also observes the Khandavanadahanam festival, which symbolically replicates the burning of the Khandava forest from the Mahabharata. Furthermore, the temple plays a crucial role in the pilgrimage to Sabarimala, as it is one of the stops for the procession of the sacred Thiruvabharanam (jewels) of Ayyappan, and it stores the Thanka Anki, the golden attire of Ayyappan.

The temple is administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board of the Government of Kerala and is open to devotees from 4 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 8 pm.