Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple Kerala

Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple Kerala

Aranmula is near Chengannur. The deity is Vishnu who is commonly known as Parthasarathy in this part of Kerala. It is from this temple the sacred jewels of Ayyappan are taken in procession during Dhanu (December/January) in pilgrimage season for him to wear on Makara Vilakku (the utmost important pilgrimage day in Sabarimala). Aranmula temple is about 1800 years old and is linked with Mahabharata and is famous for boat race. The temple’s outer wall adorns four towers over its entrances. The eastern tower has 18 steps. 57 steps down from the northern tower lands one straight to Pampa river.The temple was built by Arjuna and the image for installation was brought in a raft made of six pieces of bamboo. The name of place Aranmula was derived from this bamboo raft (Are denotes to six and mula denotes to bamboo}.On 9th day of Kurukshetra battle Kauravas were having upperhand under the leadership of Bheema. Noticing this, Krishna persuaded Arjuna to annihilate the foe. Arjuna hesitated to do so. The raged Krishna jumped from the chariot with his discus. Sensing danger, Bheema surrendered when Arjuna pleaded with Krishna not to kill Bheema. Krishna’s action would have resulted against his vow not to take up arms in this battle. The image of Krishna in this temple resembles Vishnu in the form of Annadanaprabhu ( "One who gives food"), it is said that no pilgrim worshipping at the temple will go hungry. During Onam there is a boat race in Pampa river on the bank of which the temple stands. The boat race in which several snake boats participate is very famous and well attended. In the boat race 39 karas (villages) participate, each village having each snake boat. The snake boat is of over 100 ft length. Each will have a dozen motivators, over 100 rowers and over 20 singers. A sumptuous feast is arranged in the temple after the race.Yet another festival called Kandavanadahanam (burning of Kanda forest) is also celebrated in the month of Dhanu (December/January). This is done as symbolic to the Kandavana forest fire described in the Mahabharata. For this a replica of forest with dried plants, leaves, twigs etcd is created in front of the temple and ablazed.One more festival is celebrated in the month of Meenam (March/April). The image of deity mounted on a Garuda (eagle) is taken to the Pampa river bank in colourful procession for aarattu (divine dip). An image of the nearby Punnamthode temple’s deity, Bhagawathi is also brought to the bank of the river for this aarattu festival.

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