Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Swamy Temple- Kerala

Address

Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Swamy Temple- Ambalappuzha, Alappuzha District, Kerala- 688651

Diety

Sri Krishna

Introduction

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is dedicated to Krishna at Ambalappuzha in Alappuzha district of Kerala. The temple is believed to have been built during 15th century AD by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran. It is one of the seven greatest Vaishnava temples in Travancore. The idol at Ambalapuzha is likened to Parthasarthi form of Vishnu, holding a whip in his right hand and a conch in his left. During the raids of Tipu Sultan in 1789, the idol of Sri Krishna from the Guruvayoor Temple was brought to the Ambalappuzha Temple for safe keeping for 12 years.

Puranic Significance

Legend has it that, one day when Puradam Tirunal Tamburan and Vilvamangalam Swamiar were travelling in a canoe on the River Pampa; they could hear the murali ganam from the top of a banyan tree at the south-east side of the present day temple. They stopped and searched. Vilvamangalam perceived a blue light, amidst the branches, which transformed into an adorable boy (blue in colour) with peacock feather on the ‘jada’ with a mellifluous flute and sparkling vanamala. He was lost in ecstasy, when the form disappeared and he circumambulated the tree with overwhelming devotion. He told the local people to build a temple and install Gosala Krishna. A Balagopala idol was made, but while installing it, the tantri Puthumana Namboodiri said that it cannot be sanctified as the idol did not look perfect – with a small swelling on the left side. He thought of his paradevata Bhadrakali and started chiselling, and to everyone’s surprise, a frog and some dirty water sprung out. Later, a Parthasarathi idol from Karinakulam temple at Kurichi was brought and consecrated at a house in Chambakulam. The king went there in a majestic boat, moving over Pamba like a swan. The stunning gosalakrishna vigraham was seen at Trivanvandoor. But, the melsanthi refused to give it. And further, he hid it in a pond and sacrificed his life to save the idol from being taken away. Many believe that the present vigraham is the same, but it was confirmed, in a devotee’s dream, that it is still hidden at the bottom of the pond. Later, a special Parthasarathi idol was brought from Kurichi in Changanaserri. The king happily went in a palliodam (Lord’s regal canoe) accompanied by hundreds of people singing bhajans to greet the Mayamanusha idol with Panchajanyam in left hand and thong in the right.

Beliefs

Devotees throng this place to drink the Kanthi Pravaham (torrent), which fights with Dyuti (Kalayadhytiodu Padavettunna). Many come with wishes such as santhushti, santhan, sukha bhoga, samasya, happiness and children but forget their purpose of visit on seeing the Lord. One seemed to visualise Ambadi cows pouring milk, at dusk, listening to his flute, which captivates the hearts of millions. This is Kusasthali,Vrindavan and Yamuna bank all together. Ambalapuzha is famous for its ‘Vanchipada boat soldiers 30,000’ who drove the Dutch away.

Special Features

Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna temple is one of the seven greatest Vaishnava temples in Travancore. The inner walls of the chuttambalam of the temple are decorated with paintings. The idol is of Parthasarathi with a whip in the right hand and a sankhu in the left. The pratisha and dhyana slokam is that of Gosala Krishnan. Palpayasam is the major offering given to the deity in this temple.

Festivals

Chambakulam Moolam festival is the major festival celebrated in this temple, in the commemoration of bringing the idol to the temple. Aarattu is the second important festival celebrated in the temple. The festival falls on the auspicious day of Thiruvonam. Many cultural dances can also be seen during the festival.