Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 159

Aranmula Boat Race
Boats assemble near
Sree Parthasarathy Temple

Aranmula: (Nearest railway station - Chengannur 10 km) Aranmula is famous for a unique handicraft item – Aranmula Kannadi a special mirror
designed only here. Exported to various nations of the world. The famous
Parthasarathi temple, dedicated to Sree Krishna on banks of Holy River
Pamba is situated here. The 18th century murals attracts large crowds
from all over the world. Aranmula snake boat race is conducted on the
last day of Onam festival in connection with the annual commo-moration
of the installation of the diety. The snake boats assemble near Sree
Parthasarathy temple before the grand procession. Each boat is 100 feet
long and bears 4 helmsmen, 100 oarsmen and 25 singers. The boat moves
in pairs to the rhythms of singing and excitements witnesses by a large
crowd. Vijnana Kalavedi at Aranmula is an institute that imparts training
in classical arts like Kathakali, classical music and Kalaripayattu.
Charalkkunnu: The picturesque hill station offers a panoramic view of the
surrounding valleys. A camp house nearly provides comfortable lodging.
Kodumon Chilanthiyambalam: (15 km from Pathanamthitta Town) This is a
temple situated at Kodumon a tiny town in Pathanamthitta. Chilanthiyambalam is a temple dedicated to the God of Spider (Chilanthi). The main
deity is Mahalakshmi and it was built during the time of Sakthibadra
Kingdom. The water from the precincts of this temple is believed to cure
all skin related diseases. Kodumom is the birth place of Sri Sakthi Bhadrah
the doyen of Sanskrit dramas like Aascharyachoodamoni, which was
composed in original and pure Sanskrit.
Maniyar: (20 km from Pathanamthitta) Maniyar is a beautiful damsite. The
leisure can be enjoyed comfortably here with panoramic view of nature.
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TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS|PATHANAMTHITTA