Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple

Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	Pathanamthitta
Deity	Parthasarathy (Krishna)
Festivals	Aranmula Boat Race
Location
Location	Aranmula
State	Kerala
Country	India
Parthasarathy Temple, Aranmula, Pathanamthitta Kerala
Geographic coordinates	9°19′41.2″N 76°41′16.4″E / 9.328111°N 76.687889°E / 9.328111; 76.687889[1]
Architecture
Type	Dravidian architecture
Specifications
Temple(s)	One
Elevation	36.8 m (121 ft)

The Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is a Hindu temple located near Aranmula, a village in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, South India. It is dedicated to the Lord Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, who is worshipped as Parthasarathy (Arjuna's charioteer). Constructed in the Kerala style of architecture, it is one of the "Divya Desams", the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the Alvar saints.

It is one of the most important Krishna temples in Kerala and is one of the five ancient shrines in Kerala, connected with the legend of the Mahabharata, where the five Pandavas are believed to have built one temple each; Aranmula is built by the Pandava prince Arjuna.

The sacred jewels, called Thiruvabharanam of Ayyappan are taken in procession to Sabarimala each year from Pandalam, and Aranmula Temple is one of the stops on the way. Also, the Thanka Anki, golden attire of Ayyappan, donated by the king of Travancore, is stored here and taken to Sabarimala during the Mandala season of late December.

Aranmula is also known for snake boat race held every year during Onam linked to the legends of the Mahabharata. The temple has four towers over its entrances on its outer wall. The Eastern tower is accessed through a flight of 18 steps and the Northern tower entrance flight through 57 steps leads to the Pamba River. The temples has paintings on its walls dating back to early 18th century.

The temple is open from 4 am to 11:00 am and 5 pm to 8 pm and is administered by Travancore Devaswom Board of the Government of Kerala.