Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple: The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, located in Ambalappuzha, Kerala, is one of the most significant and ancient temples in the state. This temple holds a deep historical and spiritual significance, with its rich legends and traditions being integral to its identity. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple attracts a large number of devotees, many of whom come to offer their prayers and seek blessings. The temple is a beautiful representation of the prayer traditions of Southern India, drawing visitors from all walks of life who come to worship and connect with the divine presence of Lord Krishna.
About Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
The Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, is a renowned religious site with a rich history. Built between the 15th and 17th centuries by Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan Thampuran, the ruler of the Chembakassery kingdom, this temple holds a special place among Kerala’s cultural heritage. It is one of the seven prominent Vaishnava temples in the state. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here in the form of Parthasarathy, the charioteer of Arjuna from the famous epic, the Mahabharata.
Architecturally, the temple follows the traditional Kerala style and is well-known for its Chuttambalam—a structure surrounding the sanctum sanctorum. The walls of this building are beautifully adorned with intricate paintings. One of the temple’s most famous offerings is the Ambalappuzha Palpayasam, a sweet milk porridge that draws many devotees from across India who come to experience its divine taste and seek blessings.
Here is a summary of the key details about the temple:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Alappuzha, Kerala |
| Temple History | Built between 15th and 17th centuries by Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan Thampuran |
| Deity Worshiped | Lord Vishnu in the form of Parthasarathy |
| Significance | One of the seven great Vaishnava temples in Kerala |
| Temple Architecture | Kerala style, with Chuttambalam and wall paintings |
| Main Offering | Ambalappuzha Palpayasam (sweet milk porridge) |
| Visitor Footfall | Devotees from across India |
This temple is not only a place of worship but also a significant cultural landmark, inviting pilgrims and visitors alike to experience its spiritual atmosphere and traditional offerings.
Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Ambalappuzha Darshan Timing
The Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple in Kerala is one of the most significant temples in the region, known for its rich history and spiritual importance. If you plan to visit the temple, it is helpful to know the darshan timings to make your visit more convenient. The temple remains open throughout the week, offering devotees the opportunity to seek blessings during specific times of the day.
Below are the details of the darshan timings at the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple:
| Darshan Type | Timing | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Opening Time | 03:00 AM | Monday to Sunday |
| Morning Darshan | 03:00 AM to 12:00 PM | Monday to Sunday |
| Evening Darshan | 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM | Monday to Sunday |
| Temple Closing Time | 08:00 PM | Monday to Sunday |
These timings allow devotees to visit the temple at various times during the day, whether they prefer an early morning darshan or an evening visit.
Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple Aarti Timings
The Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is a significant place of worship for devotees of Lord Krishna. Aarti, a central part of the temple’s rituals, is performed at various times throughout the day. These aartis create a peaceful and spiritual environment, allowing devotees to connect deeply with their faith. Below are the aarti timings at the temple:
| Aarti Type | Timing | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | 03:00 AM to 12:00 PM | Monday to Sunday |
| Evening Aarti | 05:00 PM | Monday to Sunday |
| Night Aarti | 08:00 PM | Monday to Sunday |
These aartis offer a wonderful opportunity for worshippers to participate in the temple’s daily rituals.
Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple Pooja Timings
The Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is renowned for its vibrant and diverse pooja ceremonies, offering devotees the chance to engage in spiritual practices throughout the day. These poojas play a significant role in the temple’s daily rituals, attracting a large number of visitors who seek blessings from Lord Krishna. Below is a detailed list of the pooja timings at the temple:
| Pooja Type | Timing | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Usha Pooja | 03:00 AM to 03:30 AM | Monday to Sunday |
| Ethrithu Pooja | 07:15 AM to 07:45 AM | Monday to Sunday |
| Seeveli (Morning) | 07:15 AM to 07:45 AM | Monday to Sunday |
| Pantheeradi Pooja | 08:00 AM to 08:45 AM | Monday to Sunday |
| Ucha Pooja | 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM | Monday to Sunday |
| Seeveli (Evening) | 05:00 PM to 05:45 PM | Monday to Sunday |
| Deeparadhana | 06:45 PM to 07:00 PM | Monday to Sunday |
These poojas are performed with great devotion and are part of the temple’s spiritual experience. Each ritual, from the early morning Usha Pooja to the evening Deeparadhana, is designed to help devotees connect more deeply with their faith and Lord Krishna.
Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple Festivals
The Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is known for hosting grand and vibrant festivals that attract devotees from all over the region. These festivals are an essential part of the temple’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Two of the most prominent festivals celebrated at the temple are the Chambakulam Moolam Festival and the Aarattu Festival. Below are the details of these festivals:
| Festival | Duration |
|---|---|
| Chambakulam Moolam Festival | Celebrated on the Moolam day of the Malayalam month Midhunam (as per the Malayalam Calendar). |
| Aarattu Festival | Held twice a year, once in October-November and again in March-April. |
These festivals are a true reflection of the temple’s traditions and devotion. The Chambakulam Moolam Festival is celebrated with immense enthusiasm, and the Aarattu Festival is particularly significant as it marks a sacred procession and special rituals. Both festivals offer a unique spiritual experience for visitors, with numerous cultural events and prayers conducted throughout the celebrations.
Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple Offerings
At the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, devotees can participate in a variety of offerings, each carrying its own significance. Below are the key offerings that make this temple a revered destination for worshippers:
| Offering | Description |
|---|---|
| Palpayasam | This is the most famous and beloved offering at the temple. The Ambalapuzha Palpayasam is a sweet milk porridge, adored for its rich flavor. Devotees can enjoy this delicious offering daily. It’s a major highlight of the temple, and people also have the option to order Prasada (sacred food) by paying through money orders. |
| Pallipana Ritual | The Pallipana ritual is one of the most significant ceremonies at the temple. Performed by the Velans (priests), this ritual is held every twelve years and is a deeply revered tradition. It holds immense spiritual importance for the temple and its devotees. |
| Kalabharam | Another special ritual at the temple, Kalabharam is conducted during the month of Edava Masam (typically between May and June, according to the Malayalam calendar). This ritual is particularly popular during special occasions, and devotees often book it by consulting the priest. It’s considered a deeply auspicious event, and its performance is valued by the temple community. |
These offerings and rituals add to the rich cultural and spiritual experience of the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, making it a must-visit for those seeking blessings and a connection with the divine. Whether it’s the sweet taste of Palpayasam or the sacred Pallipana and Kalabharam rituals, every act of devotion here holds profound significance.
How to Reach Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
The Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is easily accessible through various modes of transportation, making it convenient for visitors from different locations. Here’s how you can reach the temple:
| Mode of Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| By Road | The temple is situated on National Highway NH-66, which makes it very accessible by road. You can easily hire a bus, taxi, or other private vehicles to reach the temple. |
| By Train | The nearest railway station is Ambalapuzha Railway Station, which is just 2 kilometers away from the temple. From the station, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the temple. |
| By Air | The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, located about 97 kilometers from the temple. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to reach Ambalapuzha. |
No matter how you choose to travel, the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is easily reachable and well-connected, ensuring a smooth and pleasant journey for all visitors.
FAQs About Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
1. What is the history of Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple?
The temple, built between the 15th and 17th centuries by Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan Thampuran, is a major religious site in Kerala. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Parthasarathy, the charioteer of Arjuna from the Mahabharata.
2. What is the main offering at Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple?
The temple is famous for its sweet milk porridge called Ambalappuzha Palpayasam, which attracts devotees from across India.
3. What are the temple’s darshan timings?
The temple opens at 3:00 AM and closes at 8:00 PM. The darshan timings are from 3:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the morning and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening, every day of the week.
4. What are the aarti timings at the temple?
Aartis are held three times daily: Morning Aarti from 3:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Evening Aarti at 5:00 PM, and Night Aarti at 8:00 PM.
5. What are the pooja timings at Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple?
The poojas take place at various times, including Usha Pooja at 3:00 AM, Ethrithu Pooja at 7:15 AM, Seeveli in the morning at 7:15 AM, Ucha Pooja at 11:00 AM, and Deeparadhana at 6:45 PM.
6. What festivals are celebrated at Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple?
The temple hosts the Chambakulam Moolam Festival, celebrated on the Moolam day of the Malayalam month Midhunam, and the Aarattu Festival, which occurs twice a year in October-November and March-April.
7. How can I reach Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple?
The temple is easily accessible by road via NH-66, 2 km from Ambalapuzha Railway Station, and 97 km from Cochin International Airport.