Pancha Pandava Temples: A Journey through the Mahabharata History

 "Pancha Pandava Temples: A Journey through the Mahabharata History"

A unique "Pancha Pandava Darshan Yatra" is being organized by the K.S.R.T.C. Budget Tourism Cell, offering the opportunity to partake in a journey that includes relishing the traditional Aaranmula Vallamkali feast, visiting the sacred Pancha Pandava temples, and more.

The journey, known as the "Pancha Pandava Darshan Yatra," encompasses a visit to the holy Pancha Pandava temples and is undertaken in collaboration with various devaswams and seva samithis, highlighting the rich heritage of the Mahabharata history.

The Pancha Pandava temples are located in the Cheruvally, Changanassery taluks of the Pathanamthitta district in Central Travancore. They include Thiruchittattu, Thiruppuliyur, Thiruvarambalam, Thiruvanvandoor, and Thrikodithanam. These temples house idols of Dharmaputra, Bhimasena, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, and hold significant prominence in India's cultural and religious landscape.

Among the prominent Vaishnava mahakshetras in South India, the Pancha Pandava temples find a special place. The revered poet-saints known as Azhwars, particularly Nammazhwar, have eulogized these temples, contributing to their importance.

The tour offers participants the chance to experience the annual Aaranmula Vallamkali feast, held from August to October here only selected dishes are served to the Karakkars while the Sadhya, featuring 44 other items, is available to the general public. The unique Kandarolam fruit of Aaranmula is also showcased. Additionally, visitors can witness the making of the famed Kandarolam Kanjiram at the Pancha Pandava temple at Aaranmula.

To facilitate this journey, an audio tour guide containing detailed information about the temples, their rituals, customs, and architecture is available. The rich historical and cultural significance of each temple is elaborated upon in this guide.