If there’s one place where you can feel divinity in the air, it’s the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple. It’s as if the gods themselves handpicked this spot, sprinkled a bit of their celestial magic, and declared it sacred.
This temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, stands tall as one of the seven greatest temples of Travancore, drawing thousands of devotees and curious visitors. When you walk inside, you'll sense an immediate connection to something beyond the ordinary.
A Temple Steeped in Myth and Majesty
The Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple is located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala in South India. The temple was built in the 15th century by a local ruler named Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan Thampuran.
The idol in the temple shows Lord Krishna as Parthasarathi, holding a whip in one hand and a conch in the other. The temple is also known for its payasam—a sweet rice pudding given to visitors every day. People believe that Guruvayoorappan comes to the temple every day to accept the offering.
But the most fascinating tale about the temple is the story of a king and a mysterious sage. One day, a sage appeared in the king’s court and challenged him to a game of chess. The king loved chess and agreed. The sage asked for rice grains as his prize if he won. He wanted one grain for the first square of the chessboard and double the amount for each next square.
The king lost the game. The rice in his granary was gone, and he realised he could never pay the full amount. The sage then smiled and revealed his true identity. He was Lord Krishna. The king fell at his feet, ashamed and helpless. But Krishna was kind. He told the king that he did not have to pay all at once. Instead, he could serve paal payasam to devotees in the temple every day.
The king agreed. From that day on, the temple began the tradition of serving payasam daily. Even now, people visit the temple, receive the sweet offering, and remember the story of Krishna and the game of chess.
Architectural Feats of Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
The Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is a masterpiece of Kerala-style temple architecture. The structure follows traditional temple construction methods passed down for centuries.
The temple complex consists of a Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum), Nalambalam (inner courtyard), and Koothambalam (temple theatre). The roof has sloping wooden tiles that help with Kerala’s heavy monsoons.
The walls of the temple are adorned with murals depicting the Dasavatharam, the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The Koothambalam, a traditional stage used for performing arts and religious ceremonies, is another significant part of the temple’s architecture.
Sacred Corners and Hidden Marvels
There are various key attractions in the temple that one can visit when they are in the temple. Here are a few of them:
Guruvayoor Nada
This sacred spot inside the temple marks the place where the idol of Lord Krishna from Guruvayoor was kept for safekeeping during Tipu Sultan’s invasion in 1789. It remains a significant place of worship within the temple.
The Kodimaram
The gold-covered flag post is not just an architectural feat but also an important ritualistic structure. A flag is hoisted here to signal the beginning of the temple festival.
Koothambalam
The temple houses a traditional performance hall where the famous poet Kunjan Nambiar created Ottam Thullal. Inside the Koothambalam, visitors can see the Mizhavu, a large copper drum used by the legendary poet Kunjan Nambiar when he created the art form of Ottam Thullal at this very temple.
Lesser-Known Facts About Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
Here are some lesser-known facts about the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple:
- The Hidden Idol of Guruvayoor: The idol of Lord Krishna from Guruvayoor was hidden underground in this temple for protection during Tipu Sultan’s raid.
- The Manikkinar Sacred Well: The water from Manikkinar is considered to have a peculiar taste, which contributes to the Ambalapuzha Palpayasam. To preserve its purity, the well is enclosed by a wall and kept locked.
When the Temple is at Its Most Enchanting
The best time to visit the temple is from December to February. The weather is cool, and it feels nice to walk around. This is also when many festivals happen, so the temple looks even more beautiful.
From March to May, it gets very hot. Walking outside in the afternoon can be tough. But if you go early in the morning or in the evening, it is better. There are fewer people, so if you like a quiet visit, this is a good time.
Your Path to Divinity
The temple is easy to reach by air, train, or road. Here’s how:
By Air
The closest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), which is 103 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus, and it takes about 3 hours to reach the temple.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Alappuzha Railway Station, just 15 km from the temple. Trains from Kochi, Trivandrum, Bangalore, and Chennai stop here. After getting off, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to the temple.
By Road
- Buses: Government buses go to Ambalapuzha from Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kottayam.
- Taxis and Auto-Rickshaws: You can find them at the railway station, bus stop, and other places nearby.
- Self-Driving: If you have a car, you can drive on NH-66 and reach the temple easily.
When the Temple Comes Alive in Celebration
Here's what the temple is famous for:
- Ambalapuzha Temple Festival (Chambakulam Moolam Water Festival): This festival is held every year in June or July. The most thrilling aspect is the riverboat racing. Many large and colourful boats race while crowds watch and applaud.
- Aaraattu Festival: The Aaraattu Festival occurs in March or April. On this day, Lord Krishna's idol is taken for a holy bath in a river or temple pond. There is a large parade featuring elephants, music, and prayers. People enjoy fireworks and cultural events.
The Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is where history, mythology, and faith intertwine in the most enchanting way. Every corner whispers a story, from the chess game that outwitted a king to the sacred payasam that carries centuries of tradition in every spoonful. Whether you come seeking blessings or legends, Ambalapuzha welcomes you with the same warmth that has drawn pilgrims for generations.
