Located 1.5 kilometers off the National Highway 47 at
Ambalapuzha, this dedicated to Bhagvan Sri Krishna is famous for Palpayasam –
a sweet offering made to the Lord. Ambalapuzha
Sri Krishna Swamy Temple
is believed to have been constructed between 15th and 17th century AD.
The murti of Sri Krishna worshipped at Ambalapuzha
Sree Krishna
Temple is the Parthasarathy form – Krishna driving the chariot of Arjuna. The murti holds a
whip in the right hand and a sacred conch (shankh) in the left hand.
The temple is constructed in typical Kerala architectural
style. A large pond is maintained adjacent to the main temple. The inner walls
of the Sanctum Sanctorum are noted for paintings of the Dasavatharam (the ten
incarnations of Lord Vishnu).
Pallipana a unique ritual is performed by Velans
(sorcerers), once in every twelve years. Another ritual is the 30000 kalabharam
observed in Edava Masam. (May – June).
There is a popular legend that Guruvayurappan (Sri Krishna
at Guruvayur) reaches daily at Ambalappuzha temple to partake in the sweet
offering of Palpayasam.
During the attack of Tipu Sultan in 1789, the murti of
Sri Krishna from the Guruvayoor Temple was brought to the Ambalappuzha Temple
for safe keeping.
The temple is around 14 km south of Allappuzha.