Thiruvonathoni refers to the boat that arrives at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple in Pathanamthitta district, carrying Onam feast delicacies from Kattoor Mangadu Illam.

The Legend Behind the Tradition

The tradition of Thiruvonathoni has an interesting legend. The Bhattathiri of Kattoor Mangadu Illam, after a long period of childlessness, finally had a child, which he believed was a blessing from Lord Parthasarathy of the Aranmula temple. Every year, Bhattathiri had a practice of feeding a celibate before having his Thiruvonam lunch. One year, no celibate came, and Bhattathiri insisted on waiting until one did. Eventually, a child appeared and had the meal. Lord Krishna, impressed by Bhattathiri's devotion, appeared in his dream and asked him to offer the feast to the Aranmula temple.

The Journey Begins

From that year onward, Bhattathiri began bringing the feast to the temple by boat from Mangadu Illam, and this boat came to be known as Thiruvonathoni. On one such trip, Bhattathiri was attacked by bandits. Locals, upon hearing of the attack, rushed in boats to protect him and the Thiruvonathoni. This led to snake boats, or chundan vallams, accompanying the Thiruvonathoni for protection. These boats later became known as Aranmula Palliyodams.

Changes and Continuation

When Bhattathiri moved from Mangadu Illam to a new residence near Kumaranelloor Karthiyayani Temple, the starting point of Thiruvonathoni shifted to Kumaranelloor Mana. On the Moolam day in the month of Chingam, the eldest Bhattathiri of the family sets out on a Churulan boat. Upon arriving at Kattoor in Aranmula, he is warmly welcomed by the locals. The feast is then transferred to the larger, decorated Thiruvonathoni. The procession travels through Kidangara, Thiruvalla, Aarattupuzha, Kozhancherry, and Kattoor, arriving at Aranmula temple on the morning of Thiruvonam.

The Grand Feast

Upon arrival, preparations for the grand feast begin. The feast includes delicacies brought by Bhattathiri as well as offerings from other devotees. After the Athazha Pooja that evening, Bhattathiri receives a bag of money from the temple priest, representing the remaining amount after the feast expenses. Bhattathiri places this money in the temple repository before beginning his return journey, though not in the Thiruvonathoni.

This tradition of Thiruvonathoni is a testament to devotion, community spirit, and the rich cultural heritage of Aranmula.