Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple in Kerala

 

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple dates back to the fifteenth century and  draws devotees from Kerala and outside. The principal deity is Unnikrishnan (child Krishna).

Temple Architecture in Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple

The temple is a model of traditional Kerala architectural style. It has white-washed walls and a sloping copper-clad roof.. The Sreekovil (Sanctum Sanctorum) has no windows and only the priests can enter. The Sreekovil is within the four walls of  the Nalambalam. The outer structure within the temple walls is known as Chuttuambalam. The priests use the well near the temple exclusively for pooja rituals.

The temple is spread over a huge area. Visitors wash their feet at the large pond before entering the temple. It has two gates of entry: the eastern and western gates. The Western Gate has many shops and ample parking. The outer walls of the Nalambalam hold several rows of oil lamps. They are lit up at night on festival days. It is a splendid sight. The Nalambalam has two doors which have coverings of gold foil.

History of Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple

Local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan Thampuran built the temple in AD 15 century. The idol at Ambalapuzha resembles Parthasarthi with a whip in his right hand and a shankhu (sacred conch) in the left. This temple has close links to Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple. During the invasion of Tipu Sultan in 1789, the idol of Sri Krishna in Guruvayoor Temple was carried to Ambalappuzha Temple for safe custody.

Next to the temple is a big pond. The devotees wash their feet and hands before entering the temple.

Kunjan Nambiar’s Mizhavu

The popular Malayalam poet Kunchan Nambiar created the  art form of Ottam Thullal in the premises of Ambalappuzha Temple. Mizhavu is a big copper drum used as a percussion instrument in performing arts.  The drum is played only with hands. Visitors can view Kunjan Nambiar’s Mizhavu in an enclosure within the Koothambalam.

Kodimaram at Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple

The Kodimaram (flag post) has a core of special teak. The teak wood undergoes a notable curing process. The medical oil for the curing process takes in a large number of herbs. They immerse the teak wood for six months in a large vessel filled with the oil. At the end of curing period, the wood gets a covering of gold foil.  The hoisting of a flag on top of the Kodimaram signals the beginning of temple festival.

Guruvayoor Nada

In 1789 AD, Tipu Sultan attacked Guruvayoor Temple. In order to protect the deity, the authorities concealed the idol underground and shifted the Utsava Murthy to Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple. The idol was seated on the south nada at Ambalapuzha. That location is now known as Guruvayoor Nada.

Ambalapuzha Palpayasam

The prasadam of the temple is Palpayasam. It is famous for its distinctive pink colour as well as the sublime taste. The temple’s own cow farms supply the milk for Ambalapuzha Palpayasam. The taste of Ambalapuzha payasam comes from the water of Manikkinar, local cow milk and red rice. Manikkinar is the sacred well within the temple complex. It is inside a walled enclosure with a padlocked door.

The prasadam can be acquired in one-litre containers after the morning pooja gets over at 12 noon. Distribution of the palpayasam is on a first-come-first-served basis from the prasadam delivery counter. The belief is that Sree Guruvayoorappan visits the temple every day at noon for the palpayasam.

Pre-booking of the Palpayasam is possible. Devotees can book the payasam by sending a money order to The Administrator, Ambalapuzha Devaswom, State Highway 12, Ambalapuzha 688 561, Kerala. Phone: +91 477 227 2090.