Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalapuzha Kerala
Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalapuzha Kerala : The Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalapuzha, Kerala, is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, known for its unique style of worship and delectable prasadams or food offerings. The temple is located in Ambalapuzha, a small town in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, and is considered one of the oldest and most significant temples in the region.
The temple dates back to the 15th century AD and is believed to have been constructed by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran. The temple’s architecture is a fine example of traditional Kerala style, with its sloping roofs, intricate carvings, and beautiful murals.
The highlight of the temple is the statue of Lord Krishna, made of a unique stone called Salagrama, which is believed to be over 1,500 years old. The statue is black in color and is decorated with gold and precious stones. It is considered one of the finest examples of the artistic excellence of ancient India.
One of the unique aspects of the Sri Krishna Temple is its daily worship of the deity with paal payasam, a sweet rice pudding made with milk, rice, and jaggery. The paal payasam is considered the favorite food of Lord Krishna and is offered to the deity every day as part of the worship. The prasadam is then distributed among devotees, and visitors to the temple can also savor this delicious dish.
The Sri Krishna Temple is also famous for its annual festival, the Ambalapuzha Arattu festival, which is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April). The festival is marked by grand processions, traditional music and dance performances, and other cultural events. The highlight of the festival is the Arattu procession, where the deity is taken out of the temple on a grand procession on a caparisoned elephant.
The Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalapuzha is open to visitors every day of the week, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and behave respectfully while inside the temple premises. Photography is not allowed inside the temple, and visitors are requested to remove their footwear before entering the temple.
In conclusion, the Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalapuzha is a magnificent temple that is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. The temple’s unique style of worship and delectable prasadams make it a must-visit destination for devotees and food lovers alike. The annual festival is also a major draw, and visitors can experience the rich cultural traditions of Kerala while at the temple.