Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple

In the Alappuzha district is the Hindu temple known as Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, which is devoted to Lord Krishna. The temple, which was constructed using a traditional architectural design from Kerala, is renowned for its mouthwatering rice pudding, or Pal Payasam, which is made with sweet milk.

The temple, often known as the "Dwarka of the South," is thought to have been constructed during the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries AD by the regional king Chembakkassery Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan Thampuran. The primary goddess presiding over the temple is made out of black granite stone and is known as Parthasarathi (another name for Lord Krishna). She holds a whip in her right hand and the sacred conch (shankh) in her left.

Legend of the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple

There is a myth behind the Paal Payasam (rice pudding) served at the temple. It is believed that once, Lord Krishna took the form of a sage and challenged the king of Kerala to a game of chess. The sage smartly decided on the prize. The sage demanded the price (he won the game) to be the square of the number of squares on the chessboard. After the king agreed to the demand, they started playing.

The sage won the game, and the king came under the debt of the sage. The number of grains that the sage won was exponentially higher than that which was available in the royal granary. So, Lord Krishna asked the king to offer payasam to all the devotees who visited the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple. And this was to be done until the debt was cleared. But even after the clearance of the debt, the temple kept offering the pudding to the devotees as prasadam.

Quick Facts about the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple

The temple is believed to have been built between the 15th AD and 17th AD.
The temple is located approximately 14 km from Alleppey town (towards the south).
It is believed to have been built by Chembakassery Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran, a ruler of Kerala.
The idol of Krishna in the temple is carved out of black granite..
The idol holds a whip in the right hand and a conch in the left.
The payasam served in the temple is delicious
The place is never too crowded or dirty.
It offers a calm and serene environment

Entry fees at the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple

The Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple has no entry fee for any visitor. All you need to do is follow the temple rules.

Festivals are celebrated at Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple

Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the almighty, Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple celebrates many festivals with a lot of zeal. Not just the locals but many devotees from nearby cities come here to be a part of the celebration.

Here are some important festivals celebrated at Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple:

Champakulam Moolam Festival
Pallipana Festival
Aaraattu Festival

Another significant festival of this temple is the Aaraattu Festival, celebrated between March and April. A lot of devotees come here to be a part of this celebration. The festival begins with the flag hoisting on the Atham Star.

Best time to visit Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple

If you decide on visiting this temple during your trip to Alleppey, the best time to visit here will be during the evening aarti. You will see that the entire premises are decorated with small clay lamps that swell up the beauty of this place. What makes things better is the South Indian music that softly plays in the vicinity.

How to reach the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple

Reaching the temple is not a big task because it is only 14 km away from the town of Alleppey. It is connected by NH 47. You can drive to the temple via private taxi or cab or even take an auto to reach here.

Tips and rules to be followed at Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple

As per the customs followed at the temple, males have to remove their shirts and vests before they enter the temple.
The temple follows a strict dress code that has to be followed by the female devotees. They have to wear sarees or suits. If the dress code is not followed, entry will be restricted.
Do not skip or miss the payasam tasting because it is extraordinarily delicious.
Photography and videography are not allowed once you have entered the temple.
Remove your footwear outside the premises.
Wash your hands and face before entering the temple.