About Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple
The Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple stands on the southern bank of the Pamba river at Aranmula in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. Krishna is worshipped here as Parthasarathy, the charioteer of Arjuna. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams praised by the Alvar saints and one of the most important Krishna temples in Kerala. Aranmula is also closely tied to the Sabarimala pilgrimage: the sacred ornaments of Ayyappan halt here on their way from Pandalam, and the golden attire known as the Thanka Anki, offered by a king of Travancore, is kept at the temple and taken to Sabarimala in procession during the Mandala season.
According to legend, after the Kurukshetra war the five Pandavas went on pilgrimage and each installed an image of Krishna near the Pamba; Aranmula is the one linked with Arjuna, who is said to have built it to atone for killing Karna when he was unarmed. Another tradition says the image is of Krishna rushing at Bhishma with the discus on the ninth day of the war. The name Aranmula is often explained as six pieces of bamboo, from a story that the image was brought here on a bamboo raft. Devotees regard Krishna here as a giver of food, and many families hold a child's first rice-feeding here.
The temple is in the Kerala style, raised on high ground with four gateway towers on the outer wall. A flight of 18 steps leads to the eastern gate, and 57 steps lead down from the northern gate to the river. Inside are the flagstaff, cloisters and the sanctum, and some walls carry murals believed to date from the early 18th century.
Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Nirmalyam | Around 4:00 AM (approx.) |
| Ucha puja | Late morning (approx.) |
| Deeparadhana | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple
By air
Cochin International Airport and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport are each about 115–120 km away.
By train
Chengannur station is about 10 km away.
By road
Aranmula is well connected by bus to Chengannur, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam. Autos and taxis run from Chengannur.
Festivals at Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple
- Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali (snake boat race)Aug/Sep
- Valla Sadya offeringsJul/Oct
- Thanka Anki procession to SabarimalaDec
- Khandavana DahanamDec/Jan
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Kerala temple dress rules apply: men wear a mundu without a shirt inside the temple; women wear a saree, churidar or long skirt.
- Entry
- Free.
- Book accommodation early if you plan to watch the snake boat race.
- Follow the Kerala temple dress code; mundus are available in nearby shops.
- Visit a workshop making the famous Aranmula metal mirror (Aranmula Kannadi).
- The 57 steps to the river are steep; take care in the rain.
Places to visit near Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple
- Vastu Vidya GurukulamCentre for traditional architecture and murals, about 1 km away
- Chengannur Mahadeva TempleImportant Shiva and Bhagavati temple, about 10 km away
- Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu TempleAnother of the five Pandava temples, about 10 km away
- Pandalam Valiyakoyikkal TempleWhere Ayyappa's ornaments are kept, about 15 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple a Divya Desam?
Yes, it is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Vishnu.
When is the Aranmula boat race?
The Uthrattathi snake boat race is held around Onam, usually in August or September.
What are the Aranmula temple timings?
It usually opens around 4:00 AM, closes late morning and reopens from about 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Check locally before visiting.
How to reach Aranmula?
The nearest railway station is Chengannur, about 10 km away, with buses and taxis to Aranmula.
What is the aarti time at Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple?
Nirmalyam: Around 4:00 AM (approx.); Ucha puja: Late morning (approx.); Deeparadhana: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple?
Kerala temple dress rules apply: men wear a mundu without a shirt inside the temple; women wear a saree, churidar or long skirt.
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