Aranmula Palliyodam / Edasserimala Palliyodam Aranmula / Aranmula Vallamkali

Palliyodam refers to the traditional snake boats of Aranmula, intricately crafted and revered as sacred vessels.

History
The Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is located near the village of Aranmula in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, South India. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the revered Vishnu temples praised by the Alvar saints. Constructed in the traditional Kerala style of architecture, the temple features intricate wood carvings and 18th-century paintings on its walls.

The temple is historically significant and is one of the five ancient shrines in Kerala associated with the Mahabharata, believed to have been built by the Pandava prince Arjuna. The temple plays a key role in the annual procession of the Thiruvabharanam, the sacred jewels of Ayyappan, en route to Sabarimala. It also stores the Thanka Anki, Ayyappan’s golden attire, donated by the king of Travancore, which is taken to Sabarimala during the Mandala season.

Aranmula is renowned for its snake boat race, held annually during Onam and linked to Mahabharata legends. The temple has four towers over its entrances, with the Eastern tower accessed by 18 steps and the Northern tower leading to the Pamba River via 57 steps. The temple is open daily from 4 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 8 pm and is administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board.

According to legend, the Pandavas installed images of Krishna at five different locations in Kerala, with Aranmula's temple built by Arjuna. The deity here is in a fierce Vishvarupa pose, believed to have been revealed to Arjuna during the Kurukshetra war.

The Aranmula Mirror, a unique metal-alloy mirror, has historical ties to the temple. The temple itself is an architectural marvel with a rectangular structure, an elevated sanctum, and a two-story gopuram. The central shrine houses a 6 ft tall image of Krishna, the tallest Krishna idol in Kerala.

The annual Utsavam and other festivals, such as the Khandavanadahanam and the Aranmula Boat Race, draw thousands of visitors. The temple's religious significance is highlighted in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, and it is a site for various rituals, including Thulabaram.

In summary, the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is not just a place of worship but also a center of cultural heritage, drawing devotees and tourists with its rich history, legends, and festivals.