Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple: The Charioteer’s Abode and Pancha Pandava Kshetram

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• November 26, 2025
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. 🌟 Temple Identity and Divine Features
Detail Description
Location Aranmula, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala. (10 km from Chengannur Railway Station).
Moolavar (Main Deity) Sri Parthasarathy / Thirukuralappan (Lord Krishna as the Charioteer of Arjuna).
Posture Standing Posture, facing East. (Said to be in the Vishvarupa form shown to Arjuna).
Thayar (Consort) Sree Padmasini Nachiyar
Vimanam (Tower) Vamana Vimanam
Pushkarini (Holy Tank) Pampa River (Theertham) and Vedhavyasa Theertham.
Kshetram Affiliation One of the 108 Divya Desams; part of the Pancha Pandava Temples (attributed to Arjuna).
II. 📜 Legends and Spiritual Significance

1. The Charioteer of Arjuna (Parthasarathy)
   The primary legend centers on the Pandava prince Arjuna:
   • Atonement for Karma: It is believed that Arjuna installed the idol of Lord Krishna here as an act of penance and atonement for the sin (dosha) of killing the great warrior Karna while he was unarmed and attempting to lift his chariot wheel during the Mahabharata war.
   • The Deity’s Form: The Moolavar is revered as the very form of Lord Krishna that was revealed to Arjuna on the battlefield, the glorious Vishvarupa (Universal Form), establishing the temple as a site of profound dharma and divine guidance.
2. The Name Aranmula (Six Pieces of Bamboo)
   The name of the village, Aranmula, has a fascinating origin:
   • The idol of the Lord is believed to have been brought to this location on a raft made of six (Aru) pieces of bamboo (Mula), hence the name, marking the spot as divinely chosen.
3. Connection to Sabarimala
   Aranmula plays a crucial role in the annual pilgrimage to Sabarimala:
   • The revered Thanka Anki (golden attire) of Lord Ayyappa is traditionally stored in this temple and is ceremoniously taken out in a grand procession to Sabarimala during the Mandala season (late December).
   III. 🏛️ Architectural Highlights and Rituals
   The temple is a masterpiece of the traditional Kerala style of architecture:
   • The Sacred Steps: The temple is situated on an elevated structure. A flight of 18 steps leads up to the Eastern Tower, signifying the 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita or the 18 days of the Mahabharata War. Conversely, 57 steps descend from the Northern Tower directly to the holy Pampa River.
   • Pancha Pandava Connection: This temple is part of a cluster of five temples in the region, each believed to have been consecrated by one of the five Pandava brothers. Arjuna’s installation here links it to:
   o Thrichittatt (Yudhishthira)
   o Thirupuliyoor (Bheema)
   o Thiruvanvandoor (Nakula)
   o Thrikkodithanam (Sahadeva)
   IV. 🎉 Famous Festivals
   • Aranmula Vallamkali (Snake Boat Race): The most famous event is the annual Uthrattathi Vallasadya and Vallamkali (Snake Boat Race) held in the Pampa River. This spectacular water festival is celebrated to commemorate the legend of the Lord helping a devotee.
   • Valla Sadya: A massive ritualistic feast, the Valla Sadya, is conducted during the Onam festival period, where rowers of the snake boats theatrically demand food items by singing ritualistic songs (Vanchippattu), a unique offering to the Lord.
   Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, thus, is not just a place of worship but a vibrant cultural and historical nexus where the divine guidance of Lord Krishna is perpetually felt.
4. Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple: The Charioteer’s Abode and Pancha Pandava Kshetram 0435 – 2463385
   For personalized travel arrangements, customized pilgrimage itineraries, or immediate assistance, you are directed to:
   Rengaha Holidays
   • Website: https://renghaholidays.com/
   • Contact: 7708894141