Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple is a well known Hindu temple of Kerala, dedicated to Lord Krishna situated in the Alappuzha City. It is a religious and beautiful 15 th century building with Kerala style of architecture. This temples takes approximately two acres of land and has gathered thousands of worshiper every year.
The god is also Lord Krishna and is called Parthasarathy and the image is estimated to have been more than five hundred years old. The most renowned feature of this temple is its special offering, named as Ambalapuzha Palpayasam, it is a rice pudding that is sweeter in flavour and offered to devotees daily. The preparation of this prasadam comprises about 100 liters daily.
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An Overview of Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple
Ambalapuzha Arattu the annual festival held in the outskirts of Ambalapuzha, lasts 10 days and is visited by more than 50,000 people. Chambakulam Moolam boat race, a 600 years old tradition, is also held on the Pampa River in the temple with close to 20,000 people becoming spectators of this race. The temple is strictly followed and it conducts 5 poojas a day.
The structure includes a 60-foot-high gopuram (tower) and a 200-foot-long corridor with intricate carvings. The temple is free of entry fee, and visitors can visit this temple daily between 3 AM and 1 PM and between 5 PM and 8 PM. Its operations are run by about 300 employees, according to them being a peaceful experience to all the visitors.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple |
| Location | Ambalapuzha, Alappuzha District, Kerala, India (14 km south of Alappuzha) |
| Dedicated to | Lord Krishna (Parthasarathi form, with whip in right hand and conch in left) |
| Historical Period | Built between 15th–17th century CE by Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan Thampuran |
| Architecture | Traditional Kerala style with intricate woodwork, murals, and Dasavatharam paintings |
| Famous Offering | Palpayasam (sweet milk porridge made of rice, milk, and sugar), believed to be visited daily by Lord Guruvayoorappan |
| Key Festivals | – Ambalapuzha Arattu (10 days, March–April, Meenam month) – Champakulam Moolam Water Festival (Mithunam month) – Pallipana (every 12 years) |
| Timings | 3:00 AM–12:00 PM, 5:00 PM–8:30 PM |
| Entry Fee | Free for all visitors |
| Dress Code | Men: Remove shirts/vests; Women: Traditional attire (saree or salwar suit) |
| Accessibility | – Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (104 km) – Nearest Railway: Station Ambalapuzha (2 km) – Well-connected by buses/taxis via NH-66 |
| Cultural Significance | One of seven greatest Vaishnava temples in Travancore; Linked to Guruvayur Temple (idol safekeeping during Tipu Sultan’s raids in 1789); Origin of Ottanthullal art form |
| Additional Features | – Temple pond for holy dip – Mizhavu musical instrument at entrance – Elephant named Ambalapuzha Ramachandran |
| Mythological Legend | Palpayasam originated from a chess game where Lord Krishna (as a sage) won against the king, requesting rice grains doubled per chessboard square |
Sevas and Darshans at Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
| Type | Name/Description | Details | Timing (Approx.) | Cost (if known) | Source/Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darshan | General Darshan | Devotees can view the deity, Lord Krishna as Parthasarathi (with whip and conch), in the sanctum. | 3:00 AM–12:00 PM, 5:00 PM–8:30 PM | Free | Standard temple timings |
| Darshan | Morning Darshan with Abhishekam | Includes viewing the deity during morning rituals, potentially with abhishekam (ritual bathing). | Early morning (around 3:00 AM–7:00 AM) | Free or minimal offering | Inferred from reviews |
| Darshan | Palpayasam Nedyam Darshan | Darshan during the offering of the famous Palpayasam (sweet milk porridge) to Lord Krishna. | Around 12:00 PM (post-Ucha Pooja) | Free, but Palpayasam purchase separate | |
| Seva | Palpayasam Offering | Offering of Palpayasam to the deity, available for devotees to book and receive as prasadam (0.5L per person). | Distributed around 12:30 PM | Rs. 50 per 0.5L (advance booking advised) | |
| Seva | Pallipana Ritual | A powerful ritual performed by Velans (sorcerers), involving specific offerings, held every 12 years. | Specific dates (next ~2030) | Varies, requires booking | |
| Seva | Kalabharam | A special ritual performed on auspicious occasions, typically in Edava Masam (May–June). | As per Malayalam calendar | Varies, requires priest appointment | |
| Seva | Uthsavabali (Festival Ritual) | Ritual offering during the annual Arattu festival, part of the 10-day festivities. | During Arattu (March–April, Meenam month) | Varies, part of festival | |
| Seva | Pallivetta (Festival Ritual) | A ritual hunt symbolizing divine protection, performed during the Arattu festival. | During Arattu (9th–10th day) | Included in festival participation | |
| Seva | Thulabharam | Offering where a devotee is weighed against items (e.g., sugar, bananas) as a vow fulfillment. | By prior arrangement | Varies based on items | Mentioned in reviews |
| Seva | General Pooja Offerings | Includes offerings like flowers, coconut, or other items during daily poojas (e.g., Ucha Pooja, Deeparadhana). | Throughout temple hours | Varies (minimal cost) | Inferred from standard practices |