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Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple
Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple Location in Kerala
Coordinates:	9°19′40″N 76°41′18″E / 9.32778°N 76.68833°E / 9.32778; 76.68833Coordinates: 9°19′40″N 76°41′18″E / 9.32778°N 76.68833°E / 9.32778; 76.68833
Location
Country:	India
State:	Kerala
District:	Pathanamthitta
Location:	Aranmula
Temple Details
Primary Deity:	Parthasarathy (Vishnu)
Poets:	Nammalvar
Architecture and culture
Architectural styles:	Dravidian architecture

The Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is one of the "Divya Desams", the 108 temples of Vishnu reverred by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars^[1] located near Aranmula, a village in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, South India.

Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race

The temple is on the left bank of the Pampa River. The sacred jewels of Ayyappan (Thiruvabharanam) are taken in procession to Sabarimalai each year from Pandalam, and Aranmula Temple is one of the stops on the way. Also, the Thanka Anki (golden attire) for Ayyappa, donated by the king of Travancore, is stored here and taken to Shabarimala during the Mandala season (late December). Aranmula is also known for the watersports involving a spectacular procession of snake boats. It is also linked with legends from the Mahabharata.

It is one of the most important Krishna temples in Kerala, the others being at Guruvayur, Trichambaram, Tiruvarppu and Ambalappuzha.

Also, it is one of the five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala, connected with the Mahabharata. The Chengannur temple is related to Yuddhishtra; the Tiruppuliyur temple to Bheema; Aranmula to Arjuna; Thiruvanmandoor to Nakula and Tirukkadittaanam to Sahadeva). It has been glorified by the Tamil hymns of Nammalwar of the 1st millennium CE.

The temple has four towers over its entrances on its outer wall. The eastern tower is accessed through a flight of 18 steps. Descending 57 steps through the northern tower, one can reach the Pampa River.

Mahabharata legends[link]

Legend has it that the Pandava princes, after crowning Parikshit left on a pilgrimage of India, and in Kerala, each of these brothers installed Vishnu on the banks of the Pampa and nearby places and offered worship. (Chengannur,Thrichittattu - Yuddhishtra, Tiruppuliyur - Bheema, Aranmula - Arjuna, Thiruvanvandur - Nakula and Tirukkodithanam - Sahadeva). It is said that Arjuna built this temple at Nilackal near Sabarimalai. and the image was brought here in a raft made of six pieces of bamboo to this site, and hence the name Aranmula (six pieces of bamboo).

Legend has it that Arjuna built this temple, to expiate for the sin of having killed Karna on the battlefield, against the dharma of killing an unarmed enemy. It is also believed that Vishnu (here) revealed the knowledge of creation to Bhrama, from whom the Madhukaitapa demons stole the Vedas.

There is yet another legend associated with Parthasarathy here. On the ninth day of the battle of Kurukshetra, the Kauravas reigned supreme under the leadership of Bheeshma, when Krishna motivated Arjuna to take initiative and vanquish his foe. Upon his hesitating to do so, Krishna jumped down in rage, and took up his discus; seeing this sight Bheeshma surrendered to him and Arjuna beseeched him not to kill Bheeshma, as it would bave been against Krishna's vow to take up arms in his battle. It is believed that it is this image of Krishna that is enshrined here, with a discus. Aranmula Mirror is also very much related to the history of this temple

Festivities[link]

The water carnivals taking place at the temple include a boat race during the Onam season. A tradition of sending an offering of rice and other material required for a feast from a nearby village, on a waterboat relates to the origin of this festival and this tradition is continued even today (this is related to a legend in which a devotee fed a hungry pilgrim, who directed him to send food to Aranmula and disappeared, revealing that he was none other than Vishnu).

Snake boats accompany the sacred boat. The boat race: Snake boats from 39 Karas from Chennithala in the west to Ranni in the east participate in the watersport Vallomkali. These boats assemble at dawn and sail in pairs for about 2 hours. A snake boat is about 103 feet in length. Each boat has about 4 helmsmen 100 rowers and 25 singers. After the watersport there is an elaborate feast in the Aranmula temple.

Another festival celebrated here is the Khandavanadahanam celebrated in the Malayalam month of Dhanus. For this festival, a replica of a forest is created in front of the temple with dried plants, leaves and twigs. This bonfire is lit, symbolic of the Khandavana forest fire of the Mahabharata.

The Malayalam month of Meenam witnesses a festival where Aranmula Parthasarathy is taken in a grand procession on the garuda mount to the Pampa river bank, where an image of the Bhagawati from the nearby Punnamthode temple is brought in procession for the arattu festival.

See also[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple

• Temples of Kerala
• Pathanamthitta District
• Aranmula kottaram
• Anikkattilammakshethram

External links[link]

• http://www.vaikhari.org/thiruvaranmula.html

References[link]

v t e Vishnu temples Thiruvananthapuram Tirumala Annavaram Dwaraka Tirumala Thiruvalla Varkala Simhachalam Srirangam Tripunithura Badrinath Kanchipuram Guruvayur Thirunelli Puri Udupi Srivilliputhur Tiruvallikeni Ambalappuzha Vishnupad Mandir Dwarka

Aranmula
—  town  —
Aranmula Location of Aranmula in Kerala and India
Coordinates	9°20′N 76°41′E / 9.33°N 76.68°E / 9.33; 76.68Coordinates: 9°20′N 76°41′E / 9.33°N 76.68°E / 9.33; 76.68
Country	India
State	Kerala
District(s)	Pathanamthitta
Nearest city	Chengannur
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area • Elevation	• 7 metres (23 ft)
Codes • Vehicle • KL-

Aranmula (Malayalam: ആറന്മുള) is a village in the state of Kerala, India. At a distance of about 128 km from Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala, it is situated on the banks of the river Pampa. Traditions, culture, traditional village life, sceneries are unique for Aranmula. It is a suburb of Kozhencherry in Pathanamthitta District. Nearby important towns are Pathanamthitta (10 km), Pandalam (14 km) Chengannur (10 km). The nearest railway station is at Chengannur and airports are at Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. It is the venue of the annual snake boat race on the Pampa river. Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors, known as Aranmula kannadi. The palace at aranmula ( Aranmula kottaram) has a history of 200 years.

Geography[link]

Aranmula is located at 9°20′N 76°41′E / 9.33°N 76.68°E / 9.33; 76.68^[1]. It has an average elevation of 7 m (23 ft).

Aranmula Pardhasaradhi Temple[link]

Aranmula Pardhasaradhi Temple is a famous old major temple in Kerala. Main idol is Krishna, who is the leader of Arjuna in Kurukshetra War. It is believed that this temple was built near Sabarimalai near Nilackal. There is a flight of 18 steps that lead to the Eastern Tower while 57 descending steps from the Northern tower reaches the Pampa River. The temple here has fine murals from the 18th century.

Aranmula Pardhasaradhi Temple

Pulikkunnumala Mahadeva Temple

Pulikkunnumala Mahadeva Temple is 4 km from Aranmula. The old temple, is traditionally said to be the worship place of the pandavas. This temple is donated by Koikkattumalayil Late Shri. Ramakrishna Pillai to the Kshetra Samrakshana Samiti, Kerala.

Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race

Aranmula is known for the Vaasthu Vidya Gurukulam, the traditional way of constructing buildings. Aranmula is located on the banks of the river Pamba, which hosts another important annual event called the Maramon Convention.

The famous Aranmula Mirror, locally known as Aranmula kannadi, kannadi meaning mirror, is made here. This mirror is made out of high tin bronze.

The Place is of historical importance, the Thiruaranmula Parthsaaradhi temple. It is believed that the main idol was originally the "Thevaara vigraha"(one which was used for daily personal worship) of Arjuna the third Paandava. It is also believed that the thevaars vigrahas of the four other Paandavas are placed in the nearest four villages namely Thrchittaat, Thrppuliyoor, Thiruvanmandoor near Chengannur, Thrkkodithaanam near Changanassery.

The Aranmula Vallamkali, the wold famous water carnival is the main important event related to this place. It started in relation with the thiruvonathoni which starts on Uthraadam (day before Onam)evening from Kaattoor Mahavishnu temple with provisions for the 'Nivedyam' and 'samoohasadya' (mass feast)on Thiruvonam at the temple.The provisions are offered by the Mangattu Bhattathiry, the karanavar (the eldest member) of Mangattu Illom.(There is a legend also behind this.) Previously the Mangattu Illom was situated near Kaattoor temple and now it is at Kumaranalloor near Kottayam. There will be a representative from the family on the thoni (canoe), as a part of tradition. It is a nice sight to see the thoni moving down the river Pampa without rowing. The thoni is symbolic of Garuda the vehicle of Lord vishnu

Aranmula Palace (Aranmula kottaram)[link]

Aranmula palace is a traditional keralite palace which has a history of 200 years. Aranmula palace (Also known as Aranmula Vadake kottaram or Aranmula Kottaram) is the halt place of the holy journey 'Thiruvabarana khosayatra' at Aranmula.

FOKANA, a consortium of Non-Residential Malayalis in the United States of America and Canada is promoting a company, Central Travancore Development Corporation (CTDC) for the overall development of Central Travancore region. CTDC is planning to build a domestic airport in Aranmula. Apart from the above specialities, Aranmula is famous for many other things like - Valla Sadhya, thanungu perukku. The Aranmula Tiruvaranmulayappan temple is very famous and one of the biggest in Kerala. Other small temples in Aranmula are: Ganapati Temple,Kadakal, Punnamthottam, Kuruvilakkavu, Kaippuzha, Pallimukkom etc. EDAYARANMULA:THE ORIGIN OF THE PARTHA SARATHY Is a 2KM From aranmula temple on chengannur road. Very beautiful and natural place in the bank of river PAMPA. VILAKKUMADOM is located in Edayaranmula were Krishna arrived travelling through the Pampa River by a small boat made by six bamboos(arru mula )and hence the name Aranmula. From there he went to the current temple location at Aranmula. Aranmula "kodiettu" and "Pushpabhishekam" which constitute the holy procession of the idol of Krishna starts from the Vilakkumadom during festivals and ends in the "Aarattukadavu" located in the banks of pampa near the temple .

Aranmula Grama Panchayath[link]

Aranmula Grama Panchayath is the local governing body of Aranmula.The Office is inbetween Kottakkakom and Kalarikkodu. The current president is Mr.Thankachan Kakkanadu.

Nearby places[link]

• Maramon
• Edasserimala
• Erumakkadu
• Kozhippalam
• Ayroor
• Kozhencherry
• Kidangannoor
• Neervilakom
• Mallappuzhassery
• Chengannur
• Ranni
• Konni
• Omalloor
• Vadassarikara
• Pandalam
• Cheekanal
• Thottapuzhassery
• Elavumthitta
• Pathanamthitta
• Thelliyoor
• Vennikulam
• Nalkalikkal
• Edayaranmula
• Kalarikkodu
• Kottakkakom
• Kotta

Chengannur Mahadeva/Devi Temple[link]

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest and famous temple, situated in Allappuzha district (Kerala). It is a sprawling temple complex with a circular Sanctum. Lord Shiva and Parvathi Devi are the main investitures of this temple. Differing from other temples, there are two main Shrines in this temple. Lord Shiva facing East and Devi facing West.

Chengannur Mahadeva/Devi Temple

Chettikulangara Devi Temple[link]

Many followers of the theory of Kerala’s genesis by Parasurama firmly believe that he had established 108 Durga temples, 108 Siva temples, numerous Sasthatemples, besides 108 Kalaris (place to learn traditional martial arts in front of the deity), Sakthi Kendras etc. Besides he had established five Ambalayas. Jagadambika of Chettikulangara, the Goddess of Oodanadu(Onattukara), is among the five Ambalayams. Though enough historical evidences and authentic study materials are not available to support, it is believed that this temple dates back to more than1200 years.

Chettikulangara Kettukazhcha, conducted every year on the Bharani Nakshathram of Malayalam month ‘Kumbham - It is probably the most amazing cultural visual spectacle in Kerala, similar to the Thrissur Pooram. The temple is in Mavelikkara taluk and about 3 km from Mavelikkara town.

[1]

Arattupuzha[link]

Arattupuzha is located between 4 km away from Chengannur, and 5 km away from Aranmula. This place is blessed with the presence of River Pampa. Neighbouring villages are Nellikkal, Koipuram,Malakkara, Puthencavu and Neervilakom.

[edit] Neervilakom

Neervilakom (also spelt Neervilakam, Neervilakem, Nirvilakam, Nirvilakom, Nirvilakem) is one of the beautiful villages situated between Aranmula and Chengannur. This place is blessed with natural beauty where God has shown his artistic ability. The place is located, 5 km away from Chengannur and 7 km away from Aranmula. Neervilakom belongs to Aranmula panchayath situated in the extreme west part of Pathanamthitta district. It is the geographical border of Alappuzha and pathanamthitta districts. It shares its border with Malakkara, Arattupuzha, Puthancavu, Kurichumuttam and Piralasherry villages.

The main access to Neervilakom village is Chengannur- Pandalam parallel road. Other accesses are Arattupuzha - Neervilakom road, Malakkara- Neervilakom road, Chakkittappadi-Neervilakom road and Aranmula- Chengannur parallel road. Limited bus services are available. Auto rickshaws and taxies are available for convenient travel. Chengannur railway station is just 5 km away from this place and so is the main bus station.

Places of Pilgrimage

• Sree Dharmashastha Temple.
• Peringattukavu Devi Temple.
• Nilakkal Mahadeva Kudumba Temple.
• Kuttamthu Murthi Temple.
• Muttettu Murthi Temple.
• St: Gregorious Orthodox Church.
• Pampu Mana Nagaraja kavu
• Chirakkirottu Nagaraja Kavu
• Thompilethu Nagaraja Kavu
• Thekkedethu Nagaraja Kavu
• Vadakkedathu Nagaraja Kavu.
• Thelliyoorkavu bhagavthy kshetram
• Anikkattilamma Kshethram

Politics[link]

Aranmula assembly constituency is part of Pathanamthitta (Lok Sabha constituency).^[2]

Web Presence[link]

Aranmula has its own website hosted at www.aranmula.net

See also[link]

• Aranmula kottaram
• Palliyodam
• Snake boat
• Pathanamthitta
• Aranmula Kannadi
• Aranmula Boat Race
• Valla Sadhya

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Aranmula

Find more about Aranmula on Wikipedia's sister projects:
	Definitions and translations from Wiktionary
	Images and media from Commons
	Learning resources from Wikiversity
	News stories from Wikinews
	Quotations from Wikiquote
	Source texts from Wikisource
	Textbooks from Wikibooks

• Aranmula Village is chosen as the best district in Kerala
• Controversy surrounding the private airport project in Aranmula

References[link]