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Aranmula
Aranmula is a suburb of Kozhencherry in Pathanamthitta Districtin the state of Kerala in south India. Nearby important places are Pathanamthitta (10 km) and Chengannur (10km). The nearest railway station is at Chengannur and airports are at Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. It is the venue of the annual snake boat race on the Pampa river. Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors, known as Aranmula kannadi. Vijnana Kala Vedi, a school of traditional art founded by French artist Louba Schild, is in Aranmula, on the way to Kozhencherry. Aranmula is known for the Vaasthu Vidya Gurukulam, the traditional way of constructing buildings. Aranmula is located on the banks of the river Pamba, which hosts another important annual event called the Maramon Convention. The famous Aranmula Mirror localy known as Aranmula kannadi, kannadi meaning mirror, is made here. This mirror is made out of high tin bronze.
The Place is of historical importance, The Thiruaranmula Parthsaaradhi temple. It is believed that the main idol was originally the "Thevaara vigraha"(one which was used for daily personal worship) of Arjuna the third Paandava. It is also believed that the thevaars vigrahas of the four other Paandavas are placed in the nearest four villages namely Thrchittaat, Thrppuliyoor, Thiruvanmandoor near Chengannur, Thrkkodithaanam near Changanassery.
The Aranmula Vallamkali, the wold famous water carnival is the main important event related to this place. It started in relation with the thiruvonathoni which starts on Uthraadam (day before Onam)evening from Kaattoor Mahavishnu temple with provisions for the 'Nivedyam' and 'samoohasadya' (mass feast)on Thiruvonam at the temple.The provisions are offered by the Mangattu Bhattathiry, thekaranavar (the eldest member) of Mangattu Illom.(There is a legend also behind this.) Preveously the Mangattu Illom was situated near Kaattoor temple and now it is at Kumaranalloor near Kottayam. There will be a representative from the family on the thoni (canoe), as a part of tradition. It is a nice sight to see the thoni moving down the river Pampa without rowing. The thoni is symbolic of Garuda the vehicle of Lord vishnu
Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple
The Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is on the left bank of the Pampa River. It is from here that the sacred jewels of Ayyappan are taken in procession to Sabarimalai each year. Aranmula is also known for the watersports involving a spectacular procession of snake boats. It is also linked with legends from the Mahabharata. It is one of the most important Krishna temples in Kerala, the others being at Guruvayur, Trichambaram, Tiruvarppu and Ambalappuzha.
Also, it is one of the five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala, connected with the Mahabharata. The Chengannur temple is related to Yuddhishtra; the Tiruppuliyur temple to Bheema; Aranmula to Arjuna; Tiruvamundur to Nakula and Tirukkadittaanam to Sahadeva). It has been glorified by the Tamil hymns of Nammalwar of the 1st millennium CE.
The temple has four towers over its entrances on its outer wall. The eastern tower is accessed through a flight of 18 steps. Descending 57 steps through the northern tower, one can reach the Pampa River.
Legend has it that the Pandava princes, after crowning ********* left on a pilgrimage of India, and in Kerala, each of these brothers installed Vishnu on the banks of the Pampa and nearby places and offered worship. (Chengannur - Yuddhishtra, Tiruppuliyur - Bheema, Aranmula - Arjuna, Tiruvamundur - Nakula and Tirukkadittaanam - Sahadeva). It is said that Arjuna built this temple at Nilackal near Sabarimalai. and the image was brought here in a raft made of six pieces of bamboo to this site, and hence the name Aranmula (six pieces of bamboo).
Legend has it that Arjuna built this temple, to expiate for the sin of having killed Karna on the battlefield, against the dharma of killing an unarmed enemy. It is also believed that Vishnu (here) revealed the knowledge of creation to Bhrama, from whom the Madhukaitapa demons stole the Vedas.
There is yet another legend associated with Parthasarathy here. On the ninth day of the battle of Kurukshetra, the Kauravas reigned supreme under the leadership of Bheeshma, when Krishna motivated Arjuna to take initative and vanquish his foe. Upon his hesitating to do so, Krishna jumped down in rage, and took up his discus; seeing this sight Bheeshma surrendered to him and Arjuna beseeched him not to kill Bheeshma, as it would bave been against Krishna's vow to take up arms in his battle. It is believed that it is this image of Krishna that is enshrined here, with a discus.
The water carnivals taking place at the temple include a boat race during the Onam season. A tradition of sending an offering of rice and other material required for a feast from a nearby village, on a waterboat relates to the origin of this festival and this tradition is continued even today (this is related to a legend in which a devotee fed a hungry pilgrim, who directed him to send food to Aranmula and disappeared, revealing that he was none other than Vishnu).
Snake boats accompany the sacred boat. The boat race: Snake boats from 39 Karas from Chennithala in the west to Ranni in the east participate in the watersport Vellamkali. These boats assemble at dawn and sail in pairs for about 2 hours. A snake boat is about 103 feet in length. Each boat has about 4 helmsmen 100 rowers and 25 singers. After the watersport there is an elaborate feast in the Aranmula temple.
Another festival celebrated here is the Khandavanadahanam celebrated in the Malayalam month of Dhanus. For this festival, a replica of a forest is created in front of the temple with dried plants, leaves and twigs. This bonfire is lit, symbolic of the Khandavana forest fire of the Mahabharata.
The Malayalam month of Meenam witnesses a festival where Aranmula Parthasarathy is taken in a grand procession on the garuda mount to the Pampa river bank, where an image of the Bhagawati from the nearby Punnamthode temple is brought in procession for the arattu festival.
Aranmula Metal Mirror
Aranmula is renowned for making a wonderful type of Metal Mirror called 'Aranmula Kannadi'. Aranmula Metal Mirror manufacturing was staged in the early 18th century. It represents a fascinating area of culture and technological curiosity.
This unique metal mirror of Aranmula, reflects a rich cultural as well as metallurgical heritage of a golden past in the history of Kerala. The British Museum in London keeps an eighteen inch tall Aranmula Metal Mirror, which speaks of its uniqueness.
The origin of the metal mirrors of Aranmula is closely laced with the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. The legend has it, that eight families of expert in temple arts and craft had been brought by the local Royal Chief of Amnmula from Sankarankoil situated in the present day Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu in connection with certain works in the Parthasarathy Temple centuries ago.
While working with the bronze to make a crown for the Lord Parthasarathy, to their surprise the artisans discovered the reflective property of one particular copper-tin alley. However they failed to reproduce the compositions. The oral history continues to say that a divine interference came from Parvathi Amma, a widow of community, through a dream. She received a secret ratio of the alley.
There is a story in Puranas, that, the mirror of Godess Parvathi , is a diva Vasthu which symbolizes pact with God. The Aranmula Metal Mirror is a unique object, mysterious in its creation unequalled in its beauty. The metal mirror, a marvel in the annals of metallurgy was in vogue long before the appearance of today's Silicon synthetic glass mirror.It was in use far off Egypt and Bagdad.
There are only a few families in the world who practice the art of making Metal Mirrors. Some undisclosed metals are alloyed with copper and tin to cast the Metal Mirror. The polishing can go on for one to two days so as to achieve highly reflective surfaces.
Aranmula Kannady brings good luck,wealth and Prosperity to your House and Life
Aranmula Boat Race
The famed Aranmula boat race is held on the last day of the weeklong Onam festival. The snake boats assemble near the Sri Parthasarathy Temple before the grand procession. Each boat is 100 ft. long and accommodates 4 helmsmen, 100 oarsmen, and 25 singers. The snake boats move in pairs to the rhythm of full-throated singing and shouting, watched by an excited crowd.
At the Aranmula boat race, the deity of the Aranmula temple is believed to partake on the race with every snake boat - and all boats are destined to try their best to reach the finishing line simultaneously. Thus the concept of competition is eliminated and there is more of merriment, cheerfulness, and friendly rivalry.
The festival is with the Parthasarathy temple of Aranmula, and the occasion breaks all barriers and differences among people. Palli oda seva Sangam, a popular organization of the boat owners manages the festival. During the boat race thousands of spectators pack the riversides. Spectators from all across India and around the world come to Aranmula for the festival.
Vastu vidya gurukulam
The race is a grand and enchanting spectacle. The back end of the boat the "Amaram", curves upwards while the front tapers gradually. Each boat accommodates about 100 rowers, a group of drummers, and some ornamental umbrellas. The Aranmula boat race combines devotion, sportsmanship, and friendship in a grandeous, unforgetable event.
Vasthu sasthra is the branch of Veda which deals with traditional Indian way of environmental friendly construction adopting universal principles of creation. This is a combination of science engineering and spirituality.
Vastu vidya came from, Sanskrit word Vas & Vidya. Vas means dwell and Vidya is knowledge is stated to spring from Sthapadya Veda the sub Veda of Atharvaveda. Traditional Kerala temple is an excellent example of Vasthu designing.
The architectural acumen of Kerala, especially the traditional method is today reckoned for its aesthetic marvel and also for healthy living. The Vasthu Vidya Gurukulam at Aranmula in Pathanamthitta District is today a center for preserving the nuances of Kerala’s traditional architecture, and is evolving as a great centre for learning the many facets of traditional architecture.
The Vasthu Vidya Gurukulam offers regular courses in traditional architecture and mural Painting, and is approved by the Government of Kerala for Vasthu Vidya (traditional architecture) and mural painting. The centre has a mural painting gallery with a well-supported library. Started in 1993, this
government institution is affiliated with the Kerala State Cultural Affairs Department, Government of Kerala. At the center, the public is also given a chance to watch daily training classes. Post-Graduate diploma course in traditional architecture recognized by the Mahatma Gandhi University is offered at the centre.
It is indeed a role model for other similar government bodies when it comes to self-reliance and day-to-day management. The centre has already documented in detail more than165 traditional architectural structures in Kerala, and will soon be completing the documentation of remaining structures in the State. The centre’s popularity has reached national and international level for its achievements in the preservation and promotion of traditional architecture as well as the mural art of Kerala.
The famous traditional architect, Kanippayoor Krishnan Nampoothiripad, is associated with the Vasthu Vidya Centre as its Dean.
The Place is of historical importance, The Thiruaranmula Parthsaaradhi temple. It is believed that the main idol was originally the "Thevaara vigraha"(one which was used for daily personal worship) of Arjuna the third Paandava. It is also believed that the thevaars vigrahas of the four other Paandavas are placed in the nearest four villages namely Thrchittaat, Thrppuliyoor, Thiruvanmandoor near Chengannur, Thrkkodithaanam near Changanassery.
The Aranmula Vallamkali, the wold famous water carnival is the main important event related to this place. It started in relation with the thiruvonathoni which starts on Uthraadam (day before Onam)evening from Kaattoor Mahavishnu temple with provisions for the 'Nivedyam' and 'samoohasadya' (mass feast)on Thiruvonam at the temple.The provisions are offered by the Mangattu Bhattathiry, thekaranavar (the eldest member) of Mangattu Illom.(There is a legend also behind this.) Preveously the Mangattu Illom was situated near Kaattoor temple and now it is at Kumaranalloor near Kottayam. There will be a representative from the family on the thoni (canoe), as a part of tradition. It is a nice sight to see the thoni moving down the river Pampa without rowing. The thoni is symbolic of Garuda the vehicle of Lord vishnu
Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple
Also, it is one of the five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala, connected with the Mahabharata. The Chengannur temple is related to Yuddhishtra; the Tiruppuliyur temple to Bheema; Aranmula to Arjuna; Tiruvamundur to Nakula and Tirukkadittaanam to Sahadeva). It has been glorified by the Tamil hymns of Nammalwar of the 1st millennium CE.
The temple has four towers over its entrances on its outer wall. The eastern tower is accessed through a flight of 18 steps. Descending 57 steps through the northern tower, one can reach the Pampa River.
Mahabharata legends
Legend has it that the Pandava princes, after crowning ********* left on a pilgrimage of India, and in Kerala, each of these brothers installed Vishnu on the banks of the Pampa and nearby places and offered worship. (Chengannur - Yuddhishtra, Tiruppuliyur - Bheema, Aranmula - Arjuna, Tiruvamundur - Nakula and Tirukkadittaanam - Sahadeva). It is said that Arjuna built this temple at Nilackal near Sabarimalai. and the image was brought here in a raft made of six pieces of bamboo to this site, and hence the name Aranmula (six pieces of bamboo).
Legend has it that Arjuna built this temple, to expiate for the sin of having killed Karna on the battlefield, against the dharma of killing an unarmed enemy. It is also believed that Vishnu (here) revealed the knowledge of creation to Bhrama, from whom the Madhukaitapa demons stole the Vedas.
There is yet another legend associated with Parthasarathy here. On the ninth day of the battle of Kurukshetra, the Kauravas reigned supreme under the leadership of Bheeshma, when Krishna motivated Arjuna to take initative and vanquish his foe. Upon his hesitating to do so, Krishna jumped down in rage, and took up his discus; seeing this sight Bheeshma surrendered to him and Arjuna beseeched him not to kill Bheeshma, as it would bave been against Krishna's vow to take up arms in his battle. It is believed that it is this image of Krishna that is enshrined here, with a discus.
Festivities
The water carnivals taking place at the temple include a boat race during the Onam season. A tradition of sending an offering of rice and other material required for a feast from a nearby village, on a waterboat relates to the origin of this festival and this tradition is continued even today (this is related to a legend in which a devotee fed a hungry pilgrim, who directed him to send food to Aranmula and disappeared, revealing that he was none other than Vishnu).
Snake boats accompany the sacred boat. The boat race: Snake boats from 39 Karas from Chennithala in the west to Ranni in the east participate in the watersport Vellamkali. These boats assemble at dawn and sail in pairs for about 2 hours. A snake boat is about 103 feet in length. Each boat has about 4 helmsmen 100 rowers and 25 singers. After the watersport there is an elaborate feast in the Aranmula temple.
Another festival celebrated here is the Khandavanadahanam celebrated in the Malayalam month of Dhanus. For this festival, a replica of a forest is created in front of the temple with dried plants, leaves and twigs. This bonfire is lit, symbolic of the Khandavana forest fire of the Mahabharata.
The Malayalam month of Meenam witnesses a festival where Aranmula Parthasarathy is taken in a grand procession on the garuda mount to the Pampa river bank, where an image of the Bhagawati from the nearby Punnamthode temple is brought in procession for the arattu festival.
Aranmula Metal Mirror
Aranmula is renowned for making a wonderful type of Metal Mirror called 'Aranmula Kannadi'. Aranmula Metal Mirror manufacturing was staged in the early 18th century. It represents a fascinating area of culture and technological curiosity.
This unique metal mirror of Aranmula, reflects a rich cultural as well as metallurgical heritage of a golden past in the history of Kerala. The British Museum in London keeps an eighteen inch tall Aranmula Metal Mirror, which speaks of its uniqueness.
The origin of the metal mirrors of Aranmula is closely laced with the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. The legend has it, that eight families of expert in temple arts and craft had been brought by the local Royal Chief of Amnmula from Sankarankoil situated in the present day Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu in connection with certain works in the Parthasarathy Temple centuries ago.
While working with the bronze to make a crown for the Lord Parthasarathy, to their surprise the artisans discovered the reflective property of one particular copper-tin alley. However they failed to reproduce the compositions. The oral history continues to say that a divine interference came from Parvathi Amma, a widow of community, through a dream. She received a secret ratio of the alley.
There is a story in Puranas, that, the mirror of Godess Parvathi , is a diva Vasthu which symbolizes pact with God. The Aranmula Metal Mirror is a unique object, mysterious in its creation unequalled in its beauty. The metal mirror, a marvel in the annals of metallurgy was in vogue long before the appearance of today's Silicon synthetic glass mirror.It was in use far off Egypt and Bagdad.
There are only a few families in the world who practice the art of making Metal Mirrors. Some undisclosed metals are alloyed with copper and tin to cast the Metal Mirror. The polishing can go on for one to two days so as to achieve highly reflective surfaces.
Aranmula Kannady brings good luck,wealth and Prosperity to your House and Life
Aranmula Boat Race
At the Aranmula boat race, the deity of the Aranmula temple is believed to partake on the race with every snake boat - and all boats are destined to try their best to reach the finishing line simultaneously. Thus the concept of competition is eliminated and there is more of merriment, cheerfulness, and friendly rivalry.
The festival is with the Parthasarathy temple of Aranmula, and the occasion breaks all barriers and differences among people. Palli oda seva Sangam, a popular organization of the boat owners manages the festival. During the boat race thousands of spectators pack the riversides. Spectators from all across India and around the world come to Aranmula for the festival.
Vastu vidya gurukulam
Vasthu sasthra is the branch of Veda which deals with traditional Indian way of environmental friendly construction adopting universal principles of creation. This is a combination of science engineering and spirituality.
Vastu vidya came from, Sanskrit word Vas & Vidya. Vas means dwell and Vidya is knowledge is stated to spring from Sthapadya Veda the sub Veda of Atharvaveda. Traditional Kerala temple is an excellent example of Vasthu designing.
The architectural acumen of Kerala, especially the traditional method is today reckoned for its aesthetic marvel and also for healthy living. The Vasthu Vidya Gurukulam at Aranmula in Pathanamthitta District is today a center for preserving the nuances of Kerala’s traditional architecture, and is evolving as a great centre for learning the many facets of traditional architecture.
The Vasthu Vidya Gurukulam offers regular courses in traditional architecture and mural Painting, and is approved by the Government of Kerala for Vasthu Vidya (traditional architecture) and mural painting. The centre has a mural painting gallery with a well-supported library. Started in 1993, this
government institution is affiliated with the Kerala State Cultural Affairs Department, Government of Kerala. At the center, the public is also given a chance to watch daily training classes. Post-Graduate diploma course in traditional architecture recognized by the Mahatma Gandhi University is offered at the centre.
It is indeed a role model for other similar government bodies when it comes to self-reliance and day-to-day management. The centre has already documented in detail more than165 traditional architectural structures in Kerala, and will soon be completing the documentation of remaining structures in the State. The centre’s popularity has reached national and international level for its achievements in the preservation and promotion of traditional architecture as well as the mural art of Kerala.
The famous traditional architect, Kanippayoor Krishnan Nampoothiripad, is associated with the Vasthu Vidya Centre as its Dean.
PAMPA RIVER
The river is considered as the "Dakshina ganga" due to its association with sabarimala. it descends from
Sabarimala, flows through aranmula and ends in Vembanad lake. The temple is located on the banks of this holy river. The famous "uthrattathy snake boat" is conducted in this river.
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