Lord Krishna in Aranmula - Pathanamthitta Kerala India

 Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple (ആറന്മുള ശ്രീ പാർത്ഥസാരഥി ക്ഷേത്രം) is one of the most important and ancient temples in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Krishna in his form as Parthasarathy (the charioteer of Arjuna).




Location

Aranmula village, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala Situated on the western bank of the holy river Pamba

Deity

Main deity is Lord Vishnu as Parthasarathy (Krishna as charioteer of Arjuna). The idol is believed to be worshipped by Arjuna himself after the Mahabharata war.

Historical & Religious Importance

One of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vishnu temples mentioned in the works of Alvars).

Part of the Panchapandava temples in Kerala:
Triprangode (Yudhishtira)
Thiruvalla (Bhima)
Aranmula (Arjuna)
Thirukadithanam (Nakula)
Thiruvanvandoor (Sahadeva)

Major Festivals & Traditions

Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race (Vallamkali)
Famous Palliyodam (snake boat) race held on the Pamba river during Onam season (usually Uthradam day)

Unique feature: boats are offered to the Lord and race in his honour
Vijnana Kalavedi (cultural festival)
Classical music, dance, and traditional art forms
Garuda Seva
Held on the 10th day of the Malayalam month Dhanu (December–January)

Aranmula Kannadi
The temple is closely associated with the famous handcrafted Aranmula metal mirror (Aranmula kannadi), a GI-tagged craft made using a secret traditional alloy of copper and tin. The artisans claim the technique was originally taught by the temple priests.

Unique Features
The temple is believed to be built by the Pandavas after the Mahabharata war as an act of atonement.
The temple has four entrances (east, west, north, south) but the main entrance is from the east.

The idol is said to face Kovilakam (the palace) on the opposite bank of the river.

How to Reach
Nearest railway station: Chengannur (≈ 10 km)
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport (≈ 110 km)
Well connected by road from Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, etc.
Best Time to Visit
During Onam season (August–September) for boat race
December–January for Garuda Seva
The temple has a very serene and spiritual atmosphere, especially in the evenings when the temple bells and the river create a divine ambiance.

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