Edavetty Sree Krishna Swamy temple is located at Edavetty near Thodupuzha in Idukki district, Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Krishna and he is worshipped here in the form of Dhanwantari. The temple is famous for oushadha seva, an Ayurvedic procedure of consuming. It is held on the 16th day of Karkidaka Masam (mostly on August 1 or on July 31)
As per popular belief, Nakula, one among the Pandava brothers, built this temple during their exile period in the Mahabharata. It is said that Ashwini Kumaras, the twin physicians in Hindu Puranas, gave their blessings to Nakula during the consecration of the temple.
the temple is surrounded by Oushadha Vana (A grove filled with medicinal plants and trees). Vana Durga guards this precious and sacred grove.
There are also other four Sri Krishna temples in the region believed to have been consecrated by the other Pandavas.
Oushadha Seva Ritual
Oushadha Seva is the ritual of consuming the Oushadha (ancient Ayurvedic medicinal paste) at the temple premise once a year. The medicine is served on the leaves of Banyan tree. The medicine is to be taken while repeating the prayers chanted by Acharyas, facing the north side of Nalambalam.
The preparations for Oushadha Seva start in the month on May, during the Sapthaham. The formulation of the medicine will start the previous day of the Oushadha Seva. The medicine is prepared in a special ratio after mixing butter, by reciting the Oushadhi Suktam. This is headed by the Vedic scholars from Thekkemadom, Thrissur.
The tuber of Koduvely is the main ingredient in the medicine. In addition to it, Vayambu, Irattimadhuram and other medicines grinded and mixed in butter.
The medicine is first offered to deity and later distributed to the devotees.
The temple also distributes oil after Abhishekam on the main murti in the sanctum sanctorum and it is is best for ailments such as skin diseases and abdominal problems.
The important festivals in the temple are Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Thiruvonam in Chinga Masam (August – September).
Edavetty Sree Krishna Swamy Temple Timings
- Morning darshan and puja timings are from 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM
- Evening darshan and puja timings are from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
- On the Oushadha Seva day, the temple is open from 3:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
- Evening darshan time is the same as normal days.