Aranmula Temple
About: |
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Aranmula Temple, innorth side of chengannur, Pathanamthitta district, is famous as one of the five temple towns of Kerala. There are other temples besides Aranmula, which are devoted to Lord Krishna and are located at Trichambaram, Tiruvarppu and Ambalappuzha. Lord Parthasarathy is the presiding deity of the Aranmula temple. There are five ancient shrines around Chengannur, sanctified by the Pandavas. One of them is Aranmula pilgrimage of Kochi. It is said that this temple has existed since the time of Mahabharata. In Cochin, Aranmula temple comes alive during the time of Onam festival when snake boat races are held in this temple. The temple premises is decorated beautifully and is thronged by thousands of devotees who come to offer prayers and cheer for those participating in the boat race.The temple is adorned beautifully, with the outer walls and four main towers facing in the four directions. The eastern tower is accessed through a flight of 18 steps. The Pampa River can be approached by descending 57 steps from the northern tower. Aranmula temple is famous for its Aranmula "kannadi", which is basically a mirror engulfed by some exquisite metal works. "Kannadi" is Malayalam for mirror and this kind of mirror work is found exclusively in Aranmula and nowhere in the world. If you happen to visit Aranmula, buy these beautiful mirrors that are available in all shapes and sizes. The Viswaroopa (Universal size figure) of Vishnu shown to Arjuna at the time of Kurukshethra war after giving the famous 'Geethopadesh' (advice of Geetha) is the style of deity Parthasarathy in this temple. It is believed this temple was installed by Arjuna at Nilakkal Narayanapuram and later brought here by tieing six bamboo sticks and this the name came Aranmula (Aran-with six, Mula-bamboo sticks) Among the 108 Thirupathy temples 'Thiruvaranmulai' is one with 4 gates on the sacred Pamba river side at Aranmulai Panchayath in Pathanamthitta District. The shrine is round in shape facing east with deity of Parthasarathy having six feet height. Daily five poojas and three thanthriks, Paramboor, Tharayil Kuzhikattu and Thekkedath Kuzhikattu. Sub daities are Sastha, Yakshi, Nagaraja (Snake king) and Erangavil Bhagavathy Balarama also is there in lower shrine. 10 days festival as Thiruvonam Arattu (Holy bathing) during, Month Makaram. Famous Uthrattathi Boat festival is conducted here. Another, famous product is 'Aranmula Mirror' was formed from this temple. The king wished to offer a crown with a rare metal which was not available anywhere and this found a rare combination of copper led and some other sacred mixtures. The golden dress offered to Ayyappa of Sabarimala by Travancore king is always kept in this temple. Now ruled by Travancore Devaswom Board. This temple is also famous for it's fine murals. On the last day of Onam festival the famed Aranmula boat race is held. This temple is also associated with Aranmula Uthrittathi, the main festival. It is conducted as the anniversary of the installation of the temple idol. During this festival, which falls on the last day of Onam celebrations, the snake boat race is conducted. |
Location info: |
| Address:Chengannur, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India |
| District: Pathanamthitta district |
| Nearest City:Trivandrum,Vachoochira,Adoor,Ernakulam,Mallapally,Kozhencherry,Erumeli |
| Best time to visit:March to August. |
Climate/Weather: |
| The climate is tropical and humid, And the Weather temparature ranges from Summers: 36°-20°; Winters: 16°-32°C. |
History: |
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The Story is that Pandava princes, after crowning Parikshit left on a pilgrimage of India, and in Kerala, each of these brothers installed Vishnu on the banks of the Pampa and nearby places and offered worship. (Chengannur – Yuddhishtra, Tiruppuliyur – Bheema, Aranmula – Arjuna, Tiruvamundur – Nakula and Tirukkadittaanam – Sahadeva). It is said that Arjuna built this temple at Nilackal near Sabarimalai. And the image was brought here in a raft made of six pieces of bamboo to this site, and hence the name Aranmula (six pieces of bamboo).This temple, to expiate for the sin of having killed Karna on the battlefield, against the dharma of killing an unarmed enemy. It is also believed that Vishnu (here) revealed the knowledge of creation to Brahma from whom the Madhukaitapa demons stole the Vedas. There is yet another Histroy associated with Parthasarathy here. On the ninth dayof the battle of Kurukshetra, the Kauravas reigned supreme under the leadership of Bheeshma, when Krishna motivated Arjuna to take initative and vanquish his foe. Upon his hesitating to do so, Krishna jumped down in rage, and took up his discus; seeing this sight Bheeshma surrendered to him and Arjuna beseeched him not to kill Bheeshma, as it would bave been against Krishna’s vow to take up arms in his battle. It is believed that it is this image of Krishna that is enshrined here, with a discuss. |
Interesting things to do: |
| You can see the other three temples of lord Shree Krishna besides this temple and watch the Arunamala Snake boat race. |
Interesting things to Visit: |
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Pandalam: This is a township in Pathanamthitta District. It is one among the fastest growing towns in Kerala, India. It is considered as a holy town. Pandalam is also a well known educational and health care centre in central Travancore.Pandalam hosts a lot of educational institutions ranging from reputed schools to Post Graduate, Training, Ayurveda, Medical and Engineering Colleges. Pampa Maha Ganapathi Temple: The Mahaganapathi Temple at Pampa 8 Kms from Sabarimala, has an important roll in the Sabarimala pilgrimage as it is the main halting point. The temple is reached by climbing about 102 steps. Breaking of coconuts is the main offering here. Neelimala, Appachimedu, Sabareepeedam, Saramkuthi are the other holy places enroute. Pandalam Valiyakoyickal Temple: Located 15 kms away from Pathanamthitta on the banks of Achankovil river, is the Valiyakoyickal Temple of Sri Dharma Sastha. Believed to be constructed by the Raja of Pandalam, this Ayyappa shrine has been modeled on the Sabarimala temple. Pilgrims usually stop here to worship before proceeding to Sabarimala. One of the major events associated with the 'Makaravilaku' festival is the procession carrying the 'Thiruvabharanam' (sacred ornaments) of Lord Ayyappa from the Valiyakoyical temple to Sabarimala. This is performed three days prior to makaravilakku. Vinjana Culture Centre : Kathakali Dance Dramas : It exhibits energy in its five forms - Earth, Fire, Water, Wind and Space or Air. Thiruvamundur Temple: This is dedicated to Lord Krishna and attributed to Nakul, one of the five pandava brothers. Parumala Church: It is here that Mar Gregories Metropolitan the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church take his eternal rest . The ormapperunnal celebrated on the first and second of every November |
Mobile range info: |
How to reach? |
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Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur Railway Station. |
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Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport. |
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Road Transport: Chengannur 12 km from Aranmula Temple, So NH 47 link with Kochi (NW) airport, sea port, Konkan railway & highway; Thiruvananthapuram (SE) also via NH 47. |
Nearest Visiting places: |
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Cherukolpuzha: Malikapurathamma Temple: Malikappurathamma Devi temple alias Malikapuram Temple is situated on a small hill just 100 meters away from Sabarimala. According to legend, Malikapuram temple is the place where the demon Mahishi rests in eternal wait. The temple complex houses the shrines of the Devi and Kaduthaswamy and also the the shrines of the snake god, Nagaraja and goddess, Nagayakshi. Here coconuts are offered only after rolling them on the ground. Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls: The Perunthenaruvi Waterfall from Pathanamthitta via Vachoochira on the banks of the Pamba River about 10 km from Erumely, Perunthenaruvi is about 36 km from Pathanamthittais a natural fall down a rocky path into a ravine about 100 feet deep. Ideal for an outing, this place is a popular picnic spot. Niranam: The powerful ancient church situated at Niranam, dates back to 52AD. This monument is believed to have been erected by Apostle St.Thomas and is considered the oldest Christian church. Konni (Elephant Training Center): The hilly area of Konni, located 11 km from Pathanamthitta, is the gate-way to the forest bordering the district. Surrounded by acres of thick forest, it is an adventurous tourist spot where one can go for thrilling elephant safaris and trekking. Konni has the largest number of wild elephants in the state and is a major elephant training center. In the past, wild elephants caught from the forests were brought here and put in wooden cages known as 'anakoodu' (Elephant Cage) till they were properly trained. After 1972, elephant hunting was stopped since the central government put an end to this crude old method of elephant catching and training. Sabarimala Temple: A well-known pilgrim center of Kerala, Sabarimala lies 191 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram and 210 kms away from Cochin. The holy shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is situated 914 meters above sea level amidst dense forests in the rugged terrains of the Western Ghats. Lord Ayyappa is looked upon as the guardian of mountains and there are several shrines dedicated to Him all along the Western Ghats. Parumala: Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, a Saint of Malankara Orthodox Church is burried here. This is also a famous Christian pilgrim centre . The orma perunnal (Remembrance Day) is celebrated during November every year. |
Nearest Petrol Pump: |
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Eraviperoor Petrol pump Petrol Pump Sri Krishna Fuels HP Petrol Pump Petrol Pump |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
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Hotel Amala Park Hotel Hotel Lals Residency Hotel Italia |
Things to carry: |
Tips & Suggestions: |
Help Line/Phone Number: |
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Police Station: Police station Police Station |
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Nearest Hospital: Changethu Bhaskaran Nair Memorial Hospital BODHI HOMOEOPATHY Muthoot Medical Centre Poyyanil Hospital Government Hospital |
| Society/Community Phone Number: |
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Link: http://krishnanz.blogspot.com/2009/09/aranmula-parthasarathi-temple.html |
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| Vijnana Kala Vedi Centre |
| Vijnana Kala Vedi Cultural Centre is located at Aranmula, Trivendrum District, Kerala. established in 1977, is one of the pioneering institutes that attempts at preserving the ancient Indian Culture. Inaugurated by a French artist, Louba Schild, the main objective of this organization is to impart aesthetic sense amongst the Indian populace.The concept of the artistic and cultural traditions that are followed in India, which is still more or less blurred or vague in the minds of most people, gets a concrete manifestation here. The spirit of India finds a vibrant expression in its traditional arts, crafts and performing arts.At the Centre, you can learn, for short or long term as you wish, two subjects, chosen from a list of 18 subjects ranging from Music, Dance, Theatre, Crafts, Languages like Sanskrit, Hindi and Malayalam to Yoga, Martial Art and even Cooking. Most of the lessons are one to one and hence you can make maximum use of your stay.....more |
| Parumala Church |
| Parumala church is situated at Mannar on the banks of river Pampa, Near Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.The first saint Mar Gregorious(famously known as Parumala Kochu Tirumeni) of Malankara Orthodox Church lived here. Now it is a famous pilgrime centre.The church is renowned as a centre of worship for all religious communities and as one of the main pilgrimage centers for Christians in Kerala. It contains the mortal remains of Mar Gregorios Metropolitan known as Parumala Thirumeni who was the first declared saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church. The annual commemorative feast (Ormapperunnal) celebrations at the Parumala Church is held on 1st and 2nd of November.....more |
| Achankoil River |
| The Achankovil River is known as Achankovilaru in vernacular, situated in Pathanamitta town.The river is also known as Kulallada River. This Indian River is formed when several small streams namely Rishimala River, Pasukidametttu River and the Ramakkalteri River meet together in eastern Kerala. It is a small river not more than 130 kilometers. It passes through Cheriyanad, Puliyoor and Chengannur villages, enters Mavelikkara Taluk at Chennithala, It then flows through Thriperumthura and Pallippad villages.The river ultimately joins the Pamba River at Veeyapuram, which is in the Alappuzha district of Kerela. On the banks of the Achankovil River, is the holy town of Pandalam, which is associated with Lord Ayyappa.....more |
| Pamba River |
| Pamba river is located in 16 km from Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.Pamba River is the third longest river in the South Indian state of Kerala nd the longest river in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. Sabarimala temple dedicated to lord Ayyappa is located on the river pamba.River Pamba is considered as the Dakshin Ganga due to its association with Kerala's Largest Pilgrim Centre - Sabarimala.District Pamba originates at Pulachimalai hill in the Peerumedu plateau in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1650 metres and flows through Ranni, Pathanamthitta, Thiruvalla, Chengannur, Kuttanad and Ambalappuzha Taluks and finally empties into the Vembanad Lake.A famous Anjana temple is situated near this bank.....more |
| Kaviyoor Rock Cut Cave Temple |
| Kaviyoor Rock Cut CaveTemple(Mahadeva Temple) is a bout 5 km east of thiruvalla, pathanamthitta district, south Kerala, this is located on the banks of the river Manimala, Kaviyoor is famous for its temples. The Kaviyoor Trikkukkudi Cave Temple, also known as the Rock Cut Cave Temple, is of historical importance and is preserved as a monument by the Archaeological Department.It bears close resemblance to the Pallava style of architecture and has prompted historians to date it to a period as early as the eighth century AD. The temple is more than thousand years old.But the actual time of construction is not known,like any other old temples. Certainly, this temple belongs to the oldest period of strucural temples.....more |
| Sabarimala Temple |
| Sabarimala temple is located on the top of the hills of the Western Ghats. The holy shrine in Sabarimala is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Thousands of devotees visit Sabarimala during the months of November-January when the main festival takes place.The devotees who visit the temple during the festival walk barefoot through the uneven road to reach the temple. Before taking the trip the devotees fast and surrender themselves to the will of God for 40 days. They do not drink or smoke, eat selected food, sleep on the floor and stay away from women and family during this period. Irrespective of caste and creed they wear black dhotis and carry offerings like coconut filled with ghee, camphor and rice.....more |
| Perumthenaruvi Waterfall |
| The Perunthenaruvi Waterfall from Pathanamthitta via Vachoochira on the banks of the Pamba River about 10 km from Erumely, Perunthenaruvi is about 36 km from Pathanamthittais a natural fall down a rocky path into a ravine about 100 feet deep. Ideal for an outing, this place is a popular picnic spot. Perumthenaruvi which literally means honey river, is a picturesque tourist spot situated in Erumely, It is a favourite picnic spot among the tourists, with an awesome view of water cascading from a rocky path at a height of 60 to 100 ft. Perhaps, the collection of beehives found near the river side, might have incited the ancestors to name the river as Perunthenaruvi.This fall is a much sought after spot for both domestic and foreign tourists.....more |