Description of the attraction
Temple of Aranmula Parthasarati is one of 108 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the so-called "Divya Desams". It is located near the small village of Aranmula, which is located in Kerala, the southern state of India. The temple is named after Parthasarati - the driver of Arjun during the war of Mahabharata, one of the incarnations of God Krishna. This temple is considered one of the most important religious buildings in honor of Krishna, and one of the five ancient shrines in Chengannur associated with the Mahabharata.
The temple was built on the left bank of the Pampa River, and has a strict and laconic form. Its age, according to the most rough estimates, is about 1700 years.
One of the most notable events, which attracts a huge number of tourists, is the water festival, which includes boat races, which take place during the Oman season (August-September). By tradition, the inhabitants of the village bring rice, as well as all the necessary materials for the holiday. This is due to the legend, according to which once upon a time one of its inhabitants fed a hungry traveler, who asked to bring food to the temple, and then disappeared. It is believed that this traveler was Vishnu himself.
The appearance of the festival itself is connected with the same legend, during which the so-called palliodams, "snake boats", must cover the distance from the village of Chennithala, located in the west, to Ranni, in the east of the state, in two hours. They were named so due to their length, which is more than 31 meters. Each such boat has 4 helmsmen, 100 rowers and 25 singers. They accompany the main "sacred" boat. After the swim, a big holiday is organized in the temple with a treat for everyone.
