- Deity
- Sri Krishna
- Timings
- 3 am–12 noon, 5 pm–8 pm
- Famous offering
- Palpayasam
- Nearest railway station
- Ambalapuzha, about 1 km
- Nearest airport
- Cochin International, about 97 km
- Dress code
- Traditional attire
History and legends
The temple is associated with the Chembakasserry rulers, and tradition credits Devanarayanan Thampuran with bringing the Krishna idol here from Karinkulam. In 1789, during Tipu Sultan's raids, the idol of Guruvayur was brought to Ambalapuzha for safety, a link devotees still remember.
The best-known story tells of a sage who beat the local king at chess and asked to be paid in rice: one grain on the first square, two on the second, doubling on every square. The royal granary soon ran dry. The sage then revealed himself as Krishna and allowed the debt to be repaid over time by serving palpayasam to pilgrims every day.
What to see
The temple is built in classic Kerala style, and murals of the Dasavatharam, the ten avatars of Vishnu, decorate the inner walls. The satirical art form Ottamthullal, created by the poet Kunchan Nambiar, is said to have been first performed here. Worship is conducted by Namboodiri priests of the Puthumana family.
Do taste the palpayasam; devotees believe Guruvayurappan himself comes daily for this offering.
Festivals
The Champakulam Moolam boat race, held on Moolam day in the month of Mithunam (June–July), marks the arrival of the idol. The main ten-day festival falls in Meenam (March–April), and the twelve-day Kalabham festival in Makaram (January–February). The Pallipana ritual is performed only once in twelve years.
Timings and dress
Darshan runs from 3 am to 12 noon, then again from 5 pm until 8 pm. Traditional clothes are expected: dhoti for men, and saree or churidar for women. The temple can be visited in any season.
How to reach
Ambalapuzha railway station is about 1 km from the temple, and the bus station roughly 2 km. Cochin International Airport is close to 100 km away. Alappuzha town is a short drive, so the temple fits easily into a backwater holiday that we can arrange for you.
Also nearby
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