Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple

Introduction

Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, and he is worshipped here as Parthasarathy, the charioteer of Partha, prince Arjuna. Also known as the Thiruvaranvilai Divya Desam, the sacred abode of Vishnu praised by the Azhwar saints, it is located in the village of Aranmula, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala. This is also believed to be one of the five shrines built by the Pandava princes in Kerala, and hence remains connected with epic Mahabharatha. Every year, the Thiruvabharanam, the sacred jewels of Ayyappa, are taken in a procession to the Sabarimala temple when they halt in this shrine too. The golden attire, Thanka Anki of Lord Ayyappa, is also stored in this shrine and is taken to Sabarimala during the Mandala season.

The Temple Legends

The legend of the temple is connected with the exile of the Pandava princes after they crowned King Parikshit as the king of Hastinapura. After leaving their kingdom, the Pandavas reached the banks of Pamba, in Kerala where built many shrines. It is believed that the idol of the Lord was brought here in six shafts of bamboo, and hence, this place is called 'Aranmula.' Some people also believe that the deity was carried here in seven shafts instead of six, but one of those got separated in the course of the river. 'Mulavoor Kadavu' is said to be the place where that shaft had moved out. Another legend says that the demons Madhu and Kaitapa stole the Vedas from Lord Brahma, and so Lord Vishnu taught the Vedas to Brahma again in this shrine. A few people are also of the opinion that the place derived its name Thiruvaranvilai from the term Arin-Villai, the land near the river. The Pandava prince Arjuna is said to have built this temple to gain salvation from the sin of killing Karna in the Kurukshetra battlefield.

As per another mythological story, once, Duryodhana taunted Bheeshma for not using his full might to fight against the Pandavas in the war against them. This hurt and enraged Bheeshma so much that he took a vow to fight with ferocity. As a result, on the next day, Krishna was made to break his promise of not using any weapon in the battle, in order to protect Arjuna. On the ninth day of the battle, while the Kaurava army fought under the leadership of Bheeshma, Krishna told Arjuna to take the fight into the enemy camp. But Bheeshma used many celestial weapons, which Arjuna found too powerful to counter, and the battle turned so intense that Arjuna struggled to overcome Bheeshma's assault.

On seeing Arjuna struggling, Krishna began charging with his discus against Bheeshma. However, Bheeshma became very joyful and surrendered himself readily to Krishna. Arjuna too pleaded with Krishna, not to kill Bheeshma, as it would be against the rules of the war. This image of Lord Krishna, with his discus in hand, is portrayed in this temple in his Vishvaroopa, the massive form.

The Architecture of Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple

The temple is built in the Kerala architectural style and has an elevated structure, that can be reached by climbing 20 small steps. The Rajagopuram, the main tower of the temple, has two-tiers, where the top portion is made of wooden trails. Kshetra-Madilluka or the rectangular walls around the temple are pierced by the gateways and enclose the shrines within. Thevrapura is the kitchen where the food and the special offerings are cooked. The temple also has many murals and stucco images. Lord Krishna as Parthasarathy, graces his devotees in his magnificent Vishvaroopam form, in the sanctum sanctorum. The Dwajasthambam or the traditional flag post is located opposite to the main shrine and the entrance of the temple. Chuttuambalam is the outer corridor along the compound walls, while Nallambalam is the central shrine, which remains a rectangle. Namaskara Mandapa is the hall between the entrance and the shrine and has a pyramidal roof.

Temple Festivals

Aranmula Boat Race is perhaps the most important festival celebrated here, on the Pamba River, on the last day of the Onam celebrations. Lord Aranmula Parthasarathy is also taken on the Garuda mount during the Malayalam month of Meenam. Khandavanadahanam, too, is one of the festivals, where a replica of a forest is created before the temple, and this is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Dhanus (December-January).

Benefits of worshipping Lord Aranmula Parthasarathy

People in large numbers offer prayers in this temple to get the blessings of Lord Krishna. He was the guide of Arjuna and remained as his strength, and it is believed that he will give a similar direction in life to his devotees during distress. It is also believed that worshipping the Vishhvaroopa darshan can ward off all negativities in life.