Aranmula - Parthasaradhy Temple

The Parthasaradhy temple in Aranmula, a village in Pathanamthitta, is located on the left banks of holy river Pampa. The precious JEWELS for ornamenting Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala are taken from here in procession to Sabarimala every year. It has its legends from Mahabharatha. One of the most important Krishna temples in the State, bsides Krishna temples in Guruvayur, Trichambaram, Tiruvarpu and Ambalapuzha. Besides, it is one of the important temples in Chengannur area linkd to Mahabharatha. Chengannur temple links to Yuddishtira, Tiruppuliyur temple to Bheema, Aranmula to Arjuna, Thiruvanmundur to Nakula and Trikkadithanam to Sahadeva. As per the epic legend, after the crowning Parikshit, the pandavas left on a pilgrimmage to India and in Kerala, the pandavas offrd Vishnu on the banks of Pampa and worshipped. It is also a legend that Arjuna built this temple at at Nilakal near Sabarimala. The image was brought over here in a raft made of SIX BAMBOO PIECES and hence the name ARANMULA. Aranmula temple is structured with four towers in front. Eastern fort is accessed with 18 steps and one can reach the Pampa river through the norhtern tower, descending 57 steps. As legndary, on the 9th day of the Kurushetra battle, when Kauravas under the leadership of Bheeshma remain supreme, Arjun remaining hesitant to kill his foe, Krishna got down from the chariot in rage with his discus. Seeing this, Bheeshma surrendered to Krishna. Arjuna beseeched him not to kill Bheeshma as Krishna had vowed not to use Arms. This image of Krishna with a discus is enshrined here.

During Onam festival, water carnivals take place at this temple. Snake boat accompany the sacred boat. Snake boats from 39 karas participate in the Vallamkali. After the boat race, there is a big feast which is known as Aranmula Sadya. Another festival is KHANDANAVANADAHANAM. A replica of forest is created in the temple premises with dried plants, leaves and twigs. This is lit in memory of the Khandavana forest fire of the Mahabharata. This festival is held during December-January very year ie in Dhanu - the Malayalam month. It is in th Malayalam month of Meenam that yet another festival called Arratu is celebrated.