Aranmula Temple

Significance The temple dates back to the time of Mahabharata Parthasarthy temple, devoted to Parthasarathi or Lord Krishna is said to date back to the days of the Mahabharata. The Vaishnavite Alwar Saints have sung its glory. A well-known pilgrim place for Hindus, the temple is in Chengannor on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam route.

This temple is also linked with water sports involving snake boats. A major appeal is the snake boat races held as part of the festival in August/September. Aranmula is famed for its hand-made mirrors of cultured metal called the "Aranmula Kannadi". Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallomkali', the snake boat race is conducted in the Pamba River in front of Sri Parthasarathi Temple. Though, large snake boats take part in this festival they do not chase with each other. Instead, they row in union, to the accompaniment of songs and reach their destination together because Lord Krishna is believed to be present in each boat.