Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple , Thiruvaaran Vilai (Aranmula, Kerala)
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📍 Thiruvaaran Vilai (Aranmulla Temple), Pathanamthitta, Kerala
International SignificanceThe 87th Divya Desam at Aranmula on the holy Pamba river is the Pandava temple established by Arjuna, world-renowned for the sacred Aranmula Kannadi metal mirrors and the magnificent Vallasadhya snake-boat festival.
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Sri Parthasarathy / Thirukkuralappan (Nindra Kolam)
Moolavar: Sri Parthasarathy / Thirukkuralappan (Nindra Kolam / Standing 6-foot posture facing East holding Sudarshana Chakra aloft); Utsavar: Parthasarathy; Thayar: Padmasani Thayar; Vimanam: Vamana Vimanam; Theertham: Pamba River, Vedavyasa Theertham; Pratyaksham: Pandava Prince Arjuna, Sage Vedavyasa, Lord Brahma.
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Parthasarathy / Thirukkuralappan (Nindra Kolam)
Thiruvaaran Vilai (Aranmulla Temple), Pathanamthitta, Kerala
Mallapuzhassery, Keralam 689533
Spiritual Highlights
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Sponsoring the grand ceremonial Valla Sadya feast served with 64 traditional dishes to snake boat oarsmen.
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About Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple , Thiruvaaran Vilai (Aranmula, Kerala)
Sri Parthasarathy Temple in Aranmula (canonically Thiruvaaran-vilai), Pathanamthitta district on the banks of the sacred Pamba river, Kerala, is the 87th Divya Desam. Celebrated in 11 pasurams by Nammazhwar, it is the most culturally vibrant of the five Pandava temples, established by the third Pandava brother, Arjuna.
The sthala commemorates the dramatic Kurukshetra episode where Arjuna, overcome by despondency, was unable to face the fierce onslaught of Grandfather Bhishma. Breaking His vow of weaponlessness to protect His beloved devotee, Lord Krishna jumped from the chariot, seized a broken chariot wheel, and charged toward Bhishma as the blazing Sudarshana Chakra! In Aranmula, Lord Parthasarathy stands in majestic 6-foot Nindra Kolam holding the Chakra aloft in His hand, personifying the Lord's supreme protection of those who surrender completely.
Aranmula is celebrated worldwide for two unique cultural treasures: the Aranmula Kannadi, a sacred handmade metal-alloy mirror whose metallurgy remains a closely guarded secret; and the world-famous Aranmula Valla Sadhya and Uthrattathi Boat Race, where hundreds of majestic snake boats (Palliyodams) glide along the Pamba river singing traditional boat songs (Vanchipattu) to deliver festive meals to Lord Parthasarathy.
Architecture & Heritage
Kerala Indigenous Timber Architecture (Ancient Chera era; consecrated by Pandava prince Arjuna; world-famous for Aranmula Kannadi metal mir)
Vamana Vimanam, massive circular sanctum, Pampa River boat ghats, broad four-side gopuram gateways.
GI-tagged Aranmula Kannadi (front-surface metallurgical alloy mirrors) cast by hereditary artisans of the temple, Thanka Anki (sacred gold attire of Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa kept here).
Rituals & Traditions
Three daily kalas per Kerala Tantric system; custodianship of the Thanka Anki golden vestments.
Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali (the ancient sacred snake boat water regatta) on the Pampa River.
Valla Sadya feast meals, Palpayasam, Unniyappam.
Visitor Guidelines
Traditional Kerala dress code: Men must remove shirts and wear Dhoti/Mundu; Women must wear Saree or traditional Indian attire.
Spacious stone courtyards with flat level access from the temple gates to the inner chuttambalam.
Frequently Asked Questions
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Parthasarathy / Thirukkuralappan (Nindra Kolam)
Padmasani Thayar Sannidhi, Arjuna Chariot-Wheel Peetham, Palliyoda Seva Mandapam (Sacred Snake Boat Quarters), Lord Sastha (Ayyappa) Shrine, Lord Shiva & Ganapathi Shrines, Garudazhwar Sannidhi
Thiruvaaran Vilai (Aranmulla Temple), Pathanamthitta, Kerala
Mallapuzhassery, Keralam 689533
How to Reach
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) (approx 115 km)
Chengannur Railway Station (CNGR) (approx 10 km)
Aranmula Temple Bus Stop (approx 0.2 km)
