Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple - Kerala
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple: A Divine Jewel of Kerala
Located in the heart of Alappuzha, the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple stands as a hallmark of Kerala’s rich cultural and religious heritage. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, worshipped here as Parthasarathy—the charioteer of Arjuna from the Mahabharata. The temple, renowned for its historical significance, striking architecture, and divine offerings, is among the most visited temples in Alappuzha and the whole of Kerala.
Image Source Brian Scott from flickr
History and Significance
The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is believed to have been constructed by the ruler Chembakassery Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan Thampuran in the 17th century, around 790 M.E. This temple holds a special place in the spiritual map of Kerala, both for its historical relevance and for being an embodiment of traditional Kerala temple architecture. The legend goes that the deity from Guruvayur Temple was brought here during the time of Tipu Sultan’s invasion to protect it from destruction.
Historically, the temple is also linked to Sankaracharya, the great philosopher, who was believed to have installed the idol of Sri Krishna at this temple. The deity here is worshipped in his child form, known for his mischievous and loving nature, and the devotees revere him as Unnikannan or Gopala Krishna.
Architecture and Layout
The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is an architectural masterpiece typical of Kerala’s temple architecture. The temple complex is sprawling with multiple structures, including the chuttambalam (a pillared corridor surrounding the sanctum), the Koothambalam (a stage for traditional temple art forms), and the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) where the main idol resides. The temple’s sloping roofs and wooden carvings showcase the craftsmanship of Kerala’s ancient builders.
The inner walls of the temple are adorned with murals and paintings, depicting stories from Hindu mythology, particularly those related to Lord Krishna’s childhood. These murals are a feast for the eyes and reflect the classical Dravidian style of art.
Ambalappuzha Palpayasam: A Divine Offering
One of the most cherished aspects of the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is its Palpayasam, a sweet milk pudding that has become synonymous with the temple itself. The origin of this offering traces back to a divine game of chess between the temple’s ruler and Lord Krishna, disguised as a sage. The legend says that after losing the game, the king was instructed to provide the sweet dish to devotees as a humble offering. To this day, the Ambalappuzha Palpayasam is prepared as part of the daily rituals, drawing devotees from all over Kerala and beyond.
This Palpayasam is not just a prasadam but is believed to carry divine blessings, and many people queue up daily to receive a portion of this sweet rice pudding, made with special attention to purity and tradition.
Festivals and Rituals
The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is a hub of cultural and religious festivals. The most significant of these is the Ambalappuzha Arattu, which takes place in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April). The ten-day festival is marked by elaborate processions, Kathakali performances, and a grand temple Arattu (holy bath), where the deity is taken to a nearby river for a ceremonial dip.
Another major event celebrated at the temple is Guruvayur Ekadasi, which commemorates the relationship between Ambalappuzha and Guruvayur. It is believed that during Tipu Sultan’s invasion, the idol from Guruvayur was kept safe at the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, and this connection is still honored today.
The daily Poojas and rituals performed at the temple follow strict traditions. The temple opens early in the morning for Nirmalyam, the first darshan of the day, and closes with the Athazha Pooja in the evening.
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple Timings
If you’re planning a visit to this revered temple, it’s essential to know the temple’s timings to make the most of your spiritual journey.
- Morning Timings: The temple opens at 3:00 AM for Nirmalyam and closes at 12:00 noon after the morning rituals are complete.
- Evening Timings: The temple reopens at 5:00 PM, and devotees can offer prayers until 8:00 PM, when the final Athazha Pooja takes place.
The best time to visit is during the early morning hours or evening, as you can witness the various rituals and the serene ambiance inside the temple complex.
How to Reach the Temple
Situated in the heart of Alappuzha, the temple is easily accessible by road, rail, and air.
- By Road: The temple is about 14 kilometers from Alappuzha town, and buses, taxis, and private vehicles can easily reach the temple.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is the Alappuzha Railway Station, located about 15 kilometers from the temple.
- By Air: The closest airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is 85 kilometers away. From there, one can hire taxis or take a bus to reach the temple.
Exploring Nearby Attractions in Alappuzha
When visiting the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, take the opportunity to explore the other fascinating attractions that Alappuzha has to offer. Known for its beautiful backwaters, Alappuzha is often called the Venice of the East and is renowned for its serene houseboat cruises, lush paddy fields, and tranquil backwaters.
- Alappuzha Beach: One of the most scenic beaches in Kerala, ideal for a peaceful stroll along the shores of the Arabian Sea.
- Alappuzha Backwaters: A houseboat ride through the calm backwaters is an experience of a lifetime. Witness the beauty of nature, small villages, and lush green landscapes.
- Kuttanad: Known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala, Kuttanad offers stunning views of vast paddy fields, many of which are below sea level.
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Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
13th-century Hindu temple & monastery devoted to Lord Krishna, with daily services offered.
