The
Aranmula Parthasarahi Temple dedicated to Sree Krishna on the banks
of holy river Pamba. Aranmula is a beautiful
village. Among the Krishna temples in Kerala, the most
important ones are at Aranmula, Guruvayur, Trichambaram, Tiruvarppu
and Ambalappuzha.
Aranmula
is one of the five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala,
connected with the Mahabharatam. (Chengannur
- Yuddhishtra, Tiruppuliyur
- Bheema, Aranmula
- Arjuna, Tiruvamundur
- Nakula and Tirukkadittaanam
- Sahadeva).
The anniversary of the
installation of Parthasarathi (Lord Krishna) at this temple
falls on the last day of Onam Celebrations, and the boat race is
conducted on this auspicious day called
'Uttrittathy'. The famed Aranmula boat race is held on the last day of the
week long Onam festival.
Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors
(Aranmula kanndi). This is a unique art which is not found any where
else in the world.
The Aaranmula Boat Race is staged
each year in the scenic village of Aaranmula in August/ September. This
river carnival is part of the Aaranmula Temple festival. Masses throng the
shores of the River Pamba to watch an imposing cluster of snake boats
called 'Palliyodams'.
Each boat, nearly 100 feet long,
is a remarkable feat of craftsmanship, with the stem curved to resemble
the hood of a snake and a tampering bow. Festooned with silk and gold
spangled umbrellas, the boats are manned by a crew of more than 100
men.
Usually held four days after the Onam
Festival day. Sometimes, it falls three or five days after Onam
(August/ September) depending on the day of Uthirittathy as per the
local Calendar.
Aranmula Boat festival (Jalolswom) is connected
to the 'Onam', unique national festival of Kerala. Annually 30 snake boats
otherwise called "Palliyodams", being participated in the Aranmula
"Uthruttathy Jalolswom".
Snake
boats pageantry is held at part of the anniversary celebration of the idol
installation at Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, believed to have been held
centuries ago on an Uthruttathi day in Chingom. Palliydams are given
the sanctity of a temple due to the belief of the presence of the deity
"Parthasarathy" (Lord Krishna). This legendary festival is
a great annual event of central Travancore, as it has religious artistic,
social, overtones. No where else in the world would there be such an event
with as many as thousands of people forming one Eenam. Aranmula Boat
race has many fold significance. It has contributed immensely to communal
Heramony as it has become a cosmopolitan social event, participated
by people of all religious, age and creed. Aranmula boat festivals
distinctly different from other boat races. Unlike the sporting and
competitive aspects of other boat races, artistic, social and religious
aspects are given prominence in Aranmula. It has no parallel in the world
as it is commemoratives of an ancient tradition rooted about 600 years
into history. The Aranmula Jaloswam is steadily and fast growing into a
great international event in India.
Aranmula
is also famous for its metal mirrors (a unique art which is not
found any where else in the world) made of bell metal. It is
believed that a divine visitation inspired a window of this village
to discover a mysterious blend of bronze which could be waxed bright
in to crystal clear mirror.
Nearest
Airport : Thiruvanathapuram International Airport, Kerala - India
Nearest
Railway Station : Chengannur - 10 Km
Road
way : Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam Road (Chengannur)
GODS
OWN LAND
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