Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple also called Dwaraka of the South.
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple is a famous Hindu Lord Krishna temple situated 14 km south of Alappuzha in Kerala, India. Ambalapuzha Temple was built by the erstwhile ruler of Chembakasserry Sree Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan Thampuran during 15th – 17th AD. It is believed that the idol of Sree Krishna of Guruvayoor Temple was brought here for safekeeping during the raids of Tipu Sultan in 1789. The temple is also famous for its unique prasadam, the delicious Ambalapuzha Palpayasam – a sweet porridge made of rice, milk, and sugar. Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple is often refereed as Dwaraka of South.
Ambalapuzha Unnikannan
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple enshrines Lord Krishna in the form of Parthasarathy – an aspect of Lord Krishna taken during the Mahabharata war. Lord Krishna is popularly known here as Unnikannan (child Krishna). The idol of Krishna here is carved out of black granite stone holding a whip in His right hand and a conch in the left.
History of Ambalapuzha Krishna Temple
It is believed that one day Pooradam Thirunal Thampuran and Saint Vilwamangalam Swamiyar was traveling along the backwaters and heard melodious sound from a flute. Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, an ardent devotee of Krishna, had a vision of Lord Krishna playing flute on a Peepul tree. Feeling the presence of God, Thampuran decided to build a temple at this place.
Location : Sree Krishna Temple, Ambalappuzha, Alappuzha, Kerala, India.
Gods : Lord Krishna
Landmark : Ambalapuzha is a small town about 13 kilometers from alappuzha town beside NH 47. The temple is situated about 1.5 kilometers east of the town junction. Nearest Railway Station: Alappuzha, about 15 kms away Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 kms from Alappuzha
Festivals :
Ambalapuzha Arattu is the main festival celebrated at the temple for 10 days during the Malayalam month of Meenam (March – April).
An important feature of the temple festival is the Velakali - a unique martial dance form performed during temple festivals.
Ambalapuzha Moolakazhcha is another important ritual held in the temple during the Malayalam month of Mithunam on the Moolam asterism (Mool Nakshatra).
Champakulam Boat Race is held on the Prathista day (idol installation day) of Ambalapuzha Sreekrishnan idol in the temple.
Pantrandu kalabha maholsavam a 12 day festival starting from the first day of the malayalam month of makeeramis also an important festival.
Offerings :
Ambalappuzha Paal paayasam.
The sweet porridge made of milk, sugar and rice offered in this temple otherwise called Amabalapuzha Paal paayasam. devotees can book the payasam by sending a money order in the name of the administrator , ambalapuzha devasom, ambalapuzha, alappuzha.
