Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, Pathanamthitta

The story goes that the Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple had its idol brought here in a raft made with aru (six) pieces of mula (bamboo). This is what gave the place Aranmulaits name as well. Dedicated to the Hindu Deity Lord Krishna, the temple is situated on the banks of the Pamba River.

Valla Sadya is an important event held at the temple on the eve of Ashtami Rohini, in the Malayalam month of Chingam. It is the birthday of Lord Krishna and one of the famous festivals celebrated here. The sadya is massive and includes around 60 varieties of food donated by the devotees to Lord Krishna, the presiding deity of the temple. An interesting aspect of the feast is that guests theatrically demand more food by singing in the Vanchippattu style. The legend is that in a Valla Sadya all dishes asked for must be given to the people in order to please the lord.

The procession carrying rice, provision, vegetables and other articles in a specially designed vessel, Thiruvonathoni, for the feast on the Thiruvonam day at the Sree Parthasarathy Temple is also a fabulous spectacle to behold.

Today, it hosts some of the finest schools for Kathakali, classical dances, classical music and Kalaripayattu. People come here in large numbers to immerse themselves in the unique and refreshing culture of the place.