Consequent upon the rapid urbanization taking place in Kerala and the onslaught of real estate lobby supported by self seeking politicians, the great heritage of Kerala is under threat. Aranmula Heritage Village Project is initiated by a group of prominent persons committed to restoring and protecting the great heritage of kerala..
We have chosen ARANMULA to initiate an ambitious plan of restoring and protecting our great heritage.ARANMULA is in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala, a state Situated in the Southern part of India.
Aranmula is about 100 kms equidistance between Trivandrum and cochin.
ARANMULA is famous for the PARTHASARATHY Temple which is one of the 108 Vishnu Temples most revered by the devotees. . Legend has it that Pandavas after crowning Parikshit, grandson of Arjuna, have set out on Vanavas and Salvation. When they reached Aranmula, they found the bank of river Pampa most suited and serene to set up a temple for Lord Krishna. Arjuna took the responsibility and brought the idol of Lord Krishna who revealed his true identity to him while advising BHAGAVAD GITA at KURUKSHETHRA.
The idol was brought through PAMPA River in a Raft made of six pieces of Bamboos and hence the name Aranmula(6 Bamboos). Arjuna installed the Idol and pandavas started pooja on the utthrittathi day during Onam. It is believed that Lord Mahabali visits his subjects on Thiruvonam day and returns to his adobe after darshan of Lord Krishna at Aranmula on uthrittathi day. The day is celebrated with all pomp and glory with the famous vallamkali(snake boak race) on uthrittathi day.
In order to please the Lord,VALLASADYA(Feast for oarsmen) is offered during Onam festival days.Minimum 51 dishes are offered for each VALLASADYA in which hundreds of people are served food with whatever item they desire to have .
The temple is a heritage structure of several centuries old. Mural painting adorning the walls of the temple are several centuries old.
Pamba River is the 3 rd largest river in kerala after Periyar and Bharathappuzha. SABARIMALA, the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa is situtated near Pamba. According to legend,Lord Ayyappa as a child was found on the banks of river Pamba and hence the river is revered as Dakshina Ganga. A dip in the river Pamba is believed to absolve one’s sins and is therefore a compulsory ritual before visiting SABARIMALA
ARANMULA also is known for its natural heritage such as Flora, Fauna, Landscape and its natural resources.
One of the world famous item of Heritage value is ARANMULA KANNADI, which is a unique mirror made out of metal. The know how of making the mirror is known to only one family in the world and they keep the formula a top secret.
