- A centre of pilgrimage from time immemorial and a trade post of eminence, when the river was the chief means of transport, it is near Kozhenchery in Pathanamthitta District.
- Famous for the famous tourist attraction 'Vallam Kali', boat pageantry, Aranmula is a global heritage site enlisted by the United Nations.
- It is a sacred site for the Hindus and comprises the central temple of Lord Parthasarathi with a network of temples and sacred groves around. Boat race is part of the temple festival here. Fertile wetlands, locally called Puncha, rich biodiversity and a soothing climate make Aranmula an apex model of the eco friendly culture of Kerala.
- The annual snake boat race on the Pampa river attracts devotees and also national and international tourists. Fifty two Karas, from ancient chieftains, own the snake boats that take part in the boat races and these are considered as the vehicles of the Lord.
- Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors, known as Aranmula kannadi.
Aranmula Parthasarathi Temple :
- The Aranmula Parthasarathi Temple is a major temple in Kerala and has a great antiquity.
- It is one of the venerated 108 Vaishnava temples in India and finds mention in Tamil classics.
- Main idol is of Lord Krishna, who is the charioteer of warrior Arjuna in Kurukshetra War.
- It is believed that this temple was originally built near Sabarimala near Nilackal later shifting here. There is a flight of 18 steps that lead to the Eastern Tower while 57 descending steps from the Northern tower reaches the Pampa River.
- The festivals of the temple show case several ritual art forms unique to the region. This includes Padayani, Vela Kali, Mayoora Nritham, Kurathi Attam, Arjuna Nritham etc.and a host of musical instruments. These remain in Aranmula even when it vanished at many other places.
Pulikkunnumala Mahadeva Temple:
- Pulikkunnumala Mahadeva Temple is 4 km from Aranmula.
- The old temple is traditionally said to be the worship place of the pandavas.
- This temple is donated by Koikkattumalayil the Late Shri Ramakrishna Pillai to the Kshetra Samrakshana Samiti, Kerala.
Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race:
- The Aranmula Vallamkali, the world famous water festival is the main important event related to this place.
- It started in relation with the Thiruvonathoni which starts on Uthraadam (day before Onam)evening from Kaattoor Mahavishnu temple with provisions for the 'Nivedyam' and 'samoohasadya' (mass feast)on Thiruvonam at the temple. The provisions are offered by the Mangattu Bhattathiri, the karanavar (the eldest member) of Mangattu Illom. (There is also a legend behind this.) Previously, the Mangattu Illom was situated near Kattoor temple and now it is at Kumaranalloor near Kottayam.
- There will be a representative from the family on the thoni (canoe), as part of the tradition. It is a nice sight to see the thoni moving down the river Pampa without rowing. The thoni is symbolic of Garuda the vehicle of Lord vishnu.
Travel tip : This temple is traditionally said to be the worship place of the
pandavas
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