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Mukhathala Sree Krishna Swamy Temple – History – Architecture

Mukhathala Sree Krishna Swamy temple is located at Mukhathala in Kollam district, Kerala. The Pratishta is that of Bhagavan Vishnu who has just killed Murasura.

The temple has a vatta sreekovil – round sanctum sanctorum. The darshanam of Mukhathala Sree Krishna Swamy is towards east. There are no Upa Devatas in the temple. There is a Yakshi Amma on the northern side of the temple.

The 10-day annual festival begins on Atham nakshatra in Medam month kodiyettam or flag hoisting.

Pal Payasam Pongala is held on Ashtami Rohini day in Chingam month. A procession of elephants are held from Kannanallur Sri Dharmasastha temple to Mukhathala Murari temple on Ashtami Rohini day. Uriyadi is another important event on the day.

Thrikarthika and Kuchela Dinam are held in the temple.

Kalabamahotsavam is held here for 12 days starting on Shivratri in Kumbham month. Punar Prathishta dinam is held on Punartham nakshatra in Mithunam month.

As per history, this was the important temple of Deshangattu King. Another view is that the temple belonged to the period of Kulashekhara king.

The structure of the temple depicts the ancient architectural style of Kerala. It has got all the making of a Mahakshetram (Great Temple). The huge outer wall has four gates opening to the four sides and the eastern door is used for entering inside the temple. The Anapanthal, the granite pathway for circumambulating the temple, the copper covered flag pole, the Balikkalpura which is unique as it never gets too hot or cold because of its structural nature, the Vilakkumadam where the lamps are fixed all around the temple, the Mandapam or the platform in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum, all these make it a special place of worship.