Aranmula Vallasadhya feasts postponed amid heavy flooding

Heavy rains and severe flooding in Pathanamthitta district have disrupted life and religious rituals, forcing the postponement of the famous Vallasadhya feasts at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. Strong river currents and flooded access roads have severely hit temple operations, while a landslide in another part of the district has caused extensive property damage.

Of the 11 Vallasadhya offerings scheduled at the temple on Saturday, only the core, essential rituals could be performed. With the water levels and currents in the Pampa river rising dangerously, the Palliyoda Seva Sangham instructed temple authorities and devotees not to launch the palliyodams (sacred snake boats) to avoid major accidents. The 10 Vallasadhya offerings scheduled for Sunday have also been postponed due to the adverse weather conditions.

Access routes completely submerged
Flooding has blocked all major access roads leading to the temple from Chengannur, Kozhencherry, and Pandalam. Devotees who arrived at the temple on Saturday had to wade through deep floodwaters to reach the shrine, risking their safety in the strong currents. Meanwhile, organisers confirmed that all the palliyodams remain safely docked and have been protected from the rising waters.