Aranmula Heritage Village Project

Aranmula is one of the Heritage villages approved by the United Nations.

Aranmula is a place in Kerala, situated in Pathanamthitta District. The place is almost at the middle of Cochin and Trivandrum; both places being about 130 kms from Aranmula.

          Aranmula is situated on the banks of the River Pampa which is the third largest river in Kerala after Periyar and Bharathappuzha. Sabarimala is the Hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa, who as a child was found on the banks of the Pampa and hence the river is revered as DAKSHINA GANGA (Southern Ganga). A dip in the Pampa is believed to absolve one’s sins and is therefore, a compulsory ritual before visiting Sabarimala. The Pampa and its banks is a cradle of our ancient civilization.

PARTHASARATHY temple at Aranmula is one of the 108 Vishnu temples most revered by the devotees. Murals adorning the walls of the Temple are centuries old. The Temple is a heritage structure believed to be of over thousand years old.

         

Aranmula Jalotsavam (Boat Festival) is associated with the legendary ONAM celebrations. Over 50 Palliyodams accompany the ceremonial arrival of ONAM offering to the Lord Parthasarathy of the temple. On the fifth day of Onam (Utthruttathi Day), all the Palliyodams (boats) return to the Temple with all its decorations and glory praising the Lord for presiding over the Onam Celebrations. Few decades ago, over 50 local villages started a competition to conclude the festival.

In order to please the Lord, VALLASADHYA (Feast) is offered to the Palliyodams. Minimum 51 dishes are offered for each VALLASADHYA in which hundreds of people are served food.

 

ARANMULA KANNADI is a unique mirror made out of metal. The knowhow for making the mirror is known only to one family in the world and they keep the formula secret. This mirror is one of the eight items in ASHTAMANGALYAM which is used for auspicious occasions.

Apart from these, Aranmula is known for its natural heritage such as flora, fauna, landscape, astrology,traditional achievements, heritage and methods of treatment etc.

Aranmula heritage village is a prestigious project to preserve the rich and unique heritage for future generations.