Aranmula Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is situated in the blissful plain of Pathanamthitta District, Kerala. There are many historical myths and legends in relation to the origin of the Aranmula Temple. It is believed that the idol of Lord Krishna was brought to the temple on a raft made with six pieces of bamboo, “aru” means six and “mula” means bamboo, thus the name “aranmula” came into existence. Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple located on the banks of river Pampa has a glorious architecture made in the typical Kerala style of architecture.
The prominent Tamil classic, “Divya Prabandam”, which dates back to the sixth to the ninth century, mentions Aranmula Temple with its glory. Here Lord Krishna is worshipped in the form of Parthasarathy, as he was the charioteer of Arjuna in our classic epic, Mahabharat. The myth also says that the temple was among the five temples built of the Pandavas of Hastinapur. During their pilgrimage, Pandavas are said to have reached river Pampa and built these temples. All five of these temples have an image of Lord Krishna in them.
It is also believed that the temple was built by Arjuna as a penance out of his guilt of killing the unarmed Karna during the Kurukshetra war. The Vishvarupa posture of Lord Krishna in the temple is yet another scene from the war. When Arjuna refused to kill Bheeshma, Krishna became furious and took out his chakra. Upon seeing the magnificence of God with spinning chakra in his hands Bheeshma surrendered. This is the being depicted on the Vishvarupa posture.
Valla Sadya is the most important festival held at the temple on the eve of Ashta Rohini, the birthday of Lord Krishna. The sadya is an enormous one with about 60 varieties of food items offered to their deity by the devotees. Temple also conducts classes in our traditional art forms such as Kathakali, classical dances, classical music, Kalaripayattu etc. Visit Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple to experience the beauty of ancient architecture.
Contact Details
Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple
Chengannur, Mallapuzhassery,
Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689533
