Valla Sadhya of Aranmula Temple – A Divine Feast in Kerala

What is Valla Sadhya?

The Valla Sadhya of Aranmula Temple is one of the most famous temple feasts in Kerala, celebrated at the historic Sree Parthasarathy Temple in Aranmula. Held on the banks of the sacred Pamba River, it is a ritual offering to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here as Parthasarathy (the divine charioteer of Arjuna).

This feast is specially organized for the oarsmen of the palliyodams (snake boats) who participate in the Aranmula Vallamkali (boat race festival). Thousands of devotees also join, making it both a spiritual and cultural spectacle.

The Grand Aranmula Temple Feast

What makes Valla Sadhya unique is its scale and spiritual importance. It is regarded as one of the largest vegetarian feasts in the world, with more than 60 varieties of dishes served on banana leaves in the traditional Kerala style.

Before the feast begins, the oarsmen sing Vanchipattu (boat songs) in praise of Lord Krishna, creating a devotional atmosphere that blends food, faith, and folklore.

Traditional Valla Sadhya Menu

The menu of the Aranmula Valla Sadhya is legendary, representing the richness of Kerala cuisine. Here are some of the highlights:

Main Dishes

• Kerala Matta Rice with Parippu (lentils) & Ney (ghee)
• Sambar, Rasam, Moru (buttermilk curry), Pulissery

Vegetable Dishes

• Avial – mixed vegetables with coconut & yogurt
• Kaalan – yam & raw plantain in curd and pepper
• Olan – ash gourd and black-eyed beans in coconut milk
• Erissery – pumpkin and red beans with coconut
• Kootu Curry – yam, plantain, and black chickpeas
• Thoran – stir-fried vegetables with grated coconut
• Mezhukkupuratti – vegetable stir-fry in coconut oil

Pickles & Chutneys

• Mango Pickle
• Lemon/Naranga Curry
• Inji Curry (ginger)
• Puliyinchi (tamarind & ginger)
• Pachadi (pineapple/beetroot/cucumber in curd)
• Kichadi

Crispy Accompaniments

• Upperi (banana chips)
• Sharkara Varatti (jaggery-coated chips)
• Pappadam

Special Temple Dishes

• Ellunda (sesame balls)
• Kootu Upperi (banana with coconut)

Payasams (Desserts)

No feast is complete without Kerala’s famous payasams, and Valla Sadhya is known to serve up to 20 varieties:

• Palada Payasam (Milk & rice flakes)
• Ada Pradhaman (Jaggery & rice ada)
• Parippu Payasam (Green gram & jaggery)
• Chakka Pradhaman (Jackfruit)
• Paal Payasam (Milk-based)
• Gothambu Payasam (Wheat)
• Semiyan Payasam (Vermicelli)

Spiritual Significance of Valla Sadhya

The feast is considered a form of prasadam (divine offering) to Lord Krishna. According to tradition, feeding the oarsmen pleases the deity, and partaking in the feast brings prosperity, good health, and spiritual blessings.

When and Where to Experience It

Valla Sadhya is held during the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September), aligning with the Onam season and the Aranmula Vallamkali (snake boat regatta).

• Location: Aranmula, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala
• Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (approx. 125 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur (10 km)

Why Travelers Must Witness Valla Sadhya

For visitors, the Valla Sadhya is not just a feast—it’s an immersive Kerala cultural experience. Sharing a traditional meal with thousands of devotees, watching the majestic snake boats glide on the Pamba River, and experiencing the temple rituals is truly unforgettable.

At SouthGuru Holidays, we curate Kerala temple tours and festival experiences that include Aranmula and Pathanamthitta, helping travelers connect deeply with the state’s heritage.