Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Swamy Temple, located in Alappuzha district of Kerala, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Built in the 15th century, it is renowned for its unique offering of sweet rice pudding (payasam) and its legendary chess game with Lord Krishna.
Key Facts
- ›Dedicated to Lord Krishna, with the idol depicted in the Parthasarathi form.
- ›Believed to have been constructed in the 15th century CE.
- ›Considered one of the seven greatest temples in Travancore and among the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams.
- ›The temple is famous for its daily offering of 'payasam', a sweet rice pudding.
- ›The idol of Sri Krishna from Guruvayoor Temple was temporarily housed here for safekeeping from Tipu Sultan's raids.
- ›The annual Amabalapuzha Temple Festival commemorates the bringing of the idol from the Karinkulam temple.
Krishna
- One of the Seven Greatest Temples In Travancore
- Considered One Among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavate Tradition
- Religious Pilgrimage Site
- Historical and Legendary Importance Related To Lord Krishna
Chembakassery Dynasty
Amabalapuzha Temple Festival, Chambakulam Moolam Water Festival, Aaraattu Festival
- Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran
About Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Swamy Temple
The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Swamy Temple is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, situated in Ambalappuzha within the Alappuzha district of Kerala, India. Historical accounts suggest the temple was constructed during the 15th century CE under the patronage of Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran, the local ruler.
Religious Significance
The temple holds considerable religious importance, being recognized as one of the seven greatest temples in the Travancore region and counted among the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams of the Vaishnavate tradition. The idol enshrined within the temple is believed to represent Lord Krishna in his Parthasarathi form, holding a whip in his right hand and a conch in his left. A unique and revered practice at Ambalappuzha is the daily offering of 'payasam,' a sweet pudding made from rice and milk. It is widely believed that Lord Guruvayoorappan himself visits the temple daily to partake in this offering.
Legend and Festivals
A prominent legend associated with the temple involves a game of chess played between Lord Krishna, disguised as a sage, and the king of Chembakassery. The sage, upon winning, requested a prize of rice grains, to be determined by doubling the amount on each square of the chessboard. The king's inability to fulfill this astronomically large demand led to Lord Krishna revealing his divine form and instructing the king to serve payasam freely to pilgrims until the debt was settled. This legend is deeply interwoven with the temple's daily rituals.
The Amabalapuzha Temple Festival, established in the 15th century, commemorates the bringing of the Krishna idol from the Karinkulam temple. This celebration is also known as the Chambakulam Moolam water festival and is observed annually on the Moolam day of the Mithunam month in the Malayalam calendar. The Aaraattu festival takes place on the Thiruvonam day in March–April.
Historical Context
During periods of conflict, the temple has served as a sanctuary. Notably, in 1789, the idol of Sri Krishna from the Guruvayoor Temple was brought to Ambalappuzha for safekeeping, remaining there for three years to protect it from the raids of Tipu Sultan.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple famous for?
The temple is most famous for its 'payasam', a sweet pudding made of rice and milk, which is offered daily. Legend states that Lord Krishna himself visits daily to accept this offering. It is also known for a legendary chess game played with Lord Krishna.
When was the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple built?
The temple is believed to have been built during the 15th century CE. It was constructed by Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran, the local ruler at the time.
What is the significance of the payasam offering at Ambalappuzha Temple?
The payasam is a central offering, believed to be accepted daily by Lord Guruvayoorappan. This tradition stems from a legend where Lord Krishna, disguised as a sage, won a chess game and was rewarded with a promise of daily payasam offerings until a vast debt was repaid.
Has the temple ever housed idols from other temples?
Yes, during the raids of Tipu Sultan in 1789, the idol of Sri Krishna from the Guruvayoor Temple was brought to the Ambalappuzha Temple for safekeeping for a period of three years.
What is the origin of the Amabalapuzha Temple Festival?
The festival originated in the 15th century CE to commemorate the bringing of the idol of Krishna to the Amabalapuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple from the Karinkulam temple. It is also referred to as the Chambakulam Moolam water festival.
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