Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple

The Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna as Parthasarathy, located on the banks of the Pamba River in Aranmula village, Pathanamthitta district. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams revered by the Alwars and is traditionally believed to have been built by Arjuna. The temple is renowned for its traditional Kerala architecture, intricate wood carvings, and the annual Aranmula Boat Race.

Visitors can expect a serene spiritual environment on the southern bank of the Pamba River. The temple features traditional Kerala architecture with four towers, intricate wood carvings depicting epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and 18th-century wall paintings. Devotees participate in darshan following strict dress codes, while tourists can observe the architectural heritage and the famous metal mirror craft of the region.

Believed to be built by Arjuna to expiate for killing Karna. It is one of five ancient shrines in Kerala associated with the Pandavas. The temple dates back over 1,700 years and is glorified in the Divya Prabandha by Alwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD.

The temple is a major center for the annual Aranmula Vallamkali boat race, a sacred ritual linked to Mahabharata legends. It is also famous for the Vallasadya feast and the traditional craft of Aranmula metal mirrors. The Thiruvabharanam jewels of Sabarimala Ayyappan are stored here before their annual procession.