Parthasarathy Temple, Aranmula
700 years old temple is believed to have been built by Pandavas. Parthasarathy is the charioteer Krishna who recited Bhagwad Geetha to Arjuna in the battlefield. The temple is on a platform in Pamba River. There are four entrances. The entrance on eastern side has 18 wide steps strong enough for elephants to climb. The temple has 8 tuskers which are housed in temple’s own anakottil, the stable of elephants.
The idol for installation was brought in a raft made of aru (six) mula (bamboo) and the place thereafter was known as Aramula which later on fashioned to Aranmula. The Aranmula Vallamkali (boat race) is conducted every year in Chingam (August/Septrember) to commemorate the arrival of the idol through water. Krishna’s birthday, Ashtamirohini, is also celebrated in gaiety as a 10-day festival during Makaram (January/February).
