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The Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, located in the small village of Aranmula in Kerala, is one of the ancient temples of India. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple is a part of the 108 divya desams, or temples of Vishnu in India. Aranmula Temple is also one of the five ancient shrines that have direct associations with Mahabharata. The temple also has an association with the Sabarimala pilgrimage involving the Thiruvabharanam of Ayyappan. If you are visiting Kerala and planning to visit a Krishna temple, ensure to include the coveted Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple in your itinerary.
Quick Details About Aranmula Temple
Aranmula Temple Address: Aranmula, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala 689533
Presiding Deity: Lord Krishna (Parthasarathy)
Aranmula Temple timings: Morning: 4 AM – 11 AM; Evening: 5 PM – 8 PM
How To Reach: You can take an auto-rickshaw from nearby towns like Chengannur and Pathanamthitta to reach the temple. There are public buses available too.
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (116 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur Railway Station (10 km)
Best Time To Visit: August to September
Where To Stay: River Heart Homestay, Sreekripa Residency Homestay, The Windsor Castle
Where To Eat: Moon Valley Grills, Hotel Arya Bhavan, Le Palace Hotel, Cloud City Maramon
About Aranmula Temple
Photo: Rajaraman Sundaram / Wikimedia Commons
The Aranmula Temple has mentions and direct associations with the Mahabharata. Although there are certain controversies surrounding the temple’s actual date of origin, it is believed to be somewhere during the 6th century CE. The temple’s legend is intertwined with the Mahabharata, where it is said that Arjuna built the temple to atone for the sin of killing Karna, who was unarmed and defenceless. Classified as one of the 108 Divya Desams, holy abodes of Vishnu, the temple finds mention in their sacred hymns too.
Beyond the history behind the temple, the architecture features the staple Kerala temple architecture, which is predominant across the different temples in the state. Inside the main temple complex lies the inner sanctum that houses the captivating idol of Lord Krishna in his charioteer form, aka Parthasarathy form. Another alluring element regarding the temple’s architecture lies in the intricate woodwork on the roof and the pillars. You can also spot murals and paintings from the 18th century depicting tales from Lord Krishna’s life.
Suggested Read: Kerala Temples
Things To Do In Aranmula Temple
1. Witness The Mesmerizing Aaratu
Photo: Sonika Agarwal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
More commonly translated to the ‘ritual bath’, Aaratu occurs every evening in the temple. The idol of Lord Krishna is adorned with flowers and taken in a procession to the Pamba River for a cleansing ritual. So, if you want to witness this particular ritual, you’d have to either spend the entire day at the temple or specifically visit during the evening time. Beyond the bathing ritual, the entire temple is filled with chants and the entire premise is illuminated with lamps too.
2. Partake In The Annual Valla Sadhya
Photo: jpatokal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
During the Malayalam month of Chingam (mid-August to October), the temple hosts its most celebrated festival, the Valla Sadhya. The main highlight of this particular festival is the snake boat race, which is then followed up with a grand feast at the temple. This elaborate vegetarian meal served on banana leaves, features a staggering 64 dishes, each meticulously prepared by devotees. If you want to savour the sanctity and the pureness of the Kerala heritage and cuisine, there’s no better way of doing that than during this festival.
Suggested Read: Shiva Temples In Kerala
3. Shopping For Aranmula Kannadi
Photo: Raimond Klavins / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Aranmula Kannadi, a unique metal mirror unlike any other, is a source of immense pride for the local community. This particular mirror, made using metal alloy, is the first surface mirror that’s exclusively made in Aranmula. You can find them across the perimeter of the temple and even in the area of Aranmula too. Some artisans handcraft this mirror using closely guarded secrets passed down through generations. The Kannadi’s ability to produce an image with no visible reflection is a fascinating experience.
4. Take A Dip In The Pamba River
Photo: Bdeb1 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Pamba River is located right beside the Aranmula temple and is a sacred river where you can take a tip to wash away your sins. You can also indulge in a moment of rejuvenation by taking a dip in the river, either after finishing your darshan of the deity or before you are about to enter the temple.
Suggested Read: Hanuman Temples In Kerala
5. Offer Your Prayers To Lord Krishna
Photo: Rahul Mishra / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The main objective behind visiting the temple is to witness the presiding deity, which is Lord Krishna. Since the temple is crowded with tourists quite often, you’d need to wait for your turn in the queues outside the temple. Once you finish offering your prayers and witnessing the daily pujas and elaborate ceremonies performed by the priests, you can then go ahead and explore the temple complex and its architecture.
Places To Visit Around Aranmula Temple
1. Chengannur Mahadeva Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
This is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Kerala that’s dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is famous for its unique ritual called ‘Tripputhu’, where the deity’s attire is changed daily, believed to signify the menstrual cycle of the goddess Parvati. The main shrine in this temple has a conical shape and is made entirely out of copper. Also, the Shiva lingam is covered on gold plating with the image of Ardhanareeswara.
Distance From The Temple: 10 km
Timings: 4 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
Suggested Read: Vishnu Temples In Kerala
2. Parumala Church
Photo: T M Cyriac / Wikimedia Commons
More elaborately known as the St. Peters and St. Paul Orthodox Church, the Parumala Church is a popular Christian pilgrimage site. It is dedicated to Saint Gregorios, the first canonised saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church. One of the main events held at this church every year is the Parumala Perunnal, which commemorates the death anniversary of Bishop Mar Gregorios Metropolitan.
Distance From The Temple: 15 km
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
3. Aranmula Palace
Photo: Infocaster / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located right around the corner of the Aranmula Temple, Aranmula Kottaram is another popular tourist attraction that’s located in the area. It is an ancient royal residence and is the halting place of the holy journey ‘Thiruvabharana khosha yathra’. Historical evidence depicts that the palace is 200+ years old. Also, the palace features the native and unique Nalukettu architectural form, which is quite fascinating to explore.
Distance From The Temple: 0.5 km
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Trivandrum Temples
4. Aranmula Heritage Village
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The last spot that you must visit near the temple is the Aranmula Heritage Village. It provides a window into the traditional way of life in Kerala. This living museum showcases ancient houses built in the architectural style of Nalukettu, with courtyards and sloping roofs. Also, you get a real-time look into the skills of the artisans creating age-old crafts like Aranmula Kannadi making, metalwork, and handloom weaving.
Distance From The Temple: Walking distance
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
The Aranmula Temple is one of the most popular and significant Krishna temples in Kerala. If you are interested in witnessing the culture, heritage and history of the place, especially with tales from the Mahabharata, visiting this temple is a must. You can book your vacation to Kerala with TripXL to avail lucrative deals and discounts for your spiritual journey.
Cover Photo: Suresh Babunair / Wikimedia Commons
