The Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, a major temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Krishna depicted in the form of Parthasarathy or charioteer with the Pandava hero, Arjuna, draws devotees from far and wide. It is named among Divya Desams or the 108 Vishnu temples revered by Tamil poet saints Alvars of Azhvars, who are believed to have lived between the fifth century and the 10th century CE.
The temple has four towers. A flight of 18 steps lead to the eastern tower. Fifty-seven steps from the northern tower descend to the Pampa River. The temple has paintings that date back to the 18th century.
The annual festival of the temple begins on the Atham Nakshatra (star)
in the Malayalam month of Makaram. It concludes 10 days later on Thiruvonam day. The main event is the procession, Garuda Vahanam Ezhunellippu. During the Malayalam month of Meenam, the deity is taken in a procession to the banks of the Pampa. An idol of the Goddess from the Punnathode temple is taken there during the Arattu festival.
In the Malayalam month of Dhanu, a festival titled Khandavadahanam, recalling an episode from the Mahabharata, is celebrated. The model of a forest is created in front of the temple.
A sea of humanity converges at Aranmula during Onam (August-September) to witness the Aranmula boat race. Snake boats move in pair to the accompaniment of full-throated singing and wild shouts. Aranmula’s unique snake boats (Chundan Vallam) are called Palliyodams. They are considered to be abodes of the deity of the Sree Parthasarathy Temple. The Palliyodams belong to different Karas (localities). Each has four helmsmen, rowers and singers. It has a flag, two or three ornamental umbrellas and is decorated with a golden lace.
Onam celebrations at Aranmula begin with the arrival of Thiruvonathoni (special boat) from Kattoor. It brings provisions to prepare a ritualistic feast for the deity of Sree Parthasarathy Temple. The boat, occupied by Bhattathiri of Mangaat Illam and 18 men, begins its journey from Kattoor at 6 p.m. and reaches Aranmula the next day at 6 a.m.
Valla Sadya is considered a ritualistic offering to the deity of Sree Parthasarathy Temple. It is a mass feast served to oarsmen of Palliyodams (snake boats). Rice and 45 side dishes are served. Oarsmen offer Nirapara (vessel filled with paddy) prior to the feast.
Aranmula Kannadi is a hand-made metal-alloy mirror. It eliminates secondary reflections and aberrations typical of back-surface mirror. The metals used in the alloy are a closely guarded secret. Metallurgists, however, maintain that it is a mix of copper and tin. The mix is polished for several days. The British Museum in London keeps a 45 cm Aranmula mirror. Aranmula Kannadi received a geographical indication (GI) tag in 2004-2005.
