Sri Krishna Temple

Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple (celebrated across India as the sacred 'Dv?rak? of the South' and one of the most venerated Vaishnavite Mahakshetrams in Kerala), situated in the historic coastal town of Ambalapuzha just 14 km south of Alleppey in Kerala, is one of the state's most spiritually profound, culturally monumental, and gastronomically celebrated temple sanctuaries.

Built during the 15th to 17th centuries CE by the local ruler Chembakassery Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayana Thampuran under the spiritual guidance of sage Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, this ancient temple is world renowned for enshrining Lord Krishna in the form of Parthasarathy (the divine charioteer of Arjuna holding a whip in His right hand and the sacred Shankha in His left, as revealed during the Mahabharata battle of Kurukshetra)—and famously provided safe refuge to the sacred idol of Lord Guruvayoorappan during the 1789 military raids of Tipu Sultan.

It's the home of the world famous Ambalapuzha Palpayasam (a legendary divine sweet milk pudding prepared daily according to centuries old secret temple recipes using pure thickened cow milk, sugar, and traditional rice in massive brass cauldrons, offered to the Lord as naivedyam), the historic birthplace of Ottamthullal (the classical Kerala satirical dance form invented right inside the temple Natakasala by master poet Kunchan Nambiar in the 18th century), an exquisite temple tank (Ambalapuzha Kulam) for sacred ritual ablutions, masterwork 17th century wood carvings and wall paintings depicting the Dashavatara along the Chuttambalam, and a deeply moving spiritual atmosphere filled with Vedic chants, traditional temple percussion (Panchavadyam), and the sweet aroma of simmering cardamom scented milk payasam.

It represents a rich Vaishnavite Mahakshetram, Kerala classical temple architecture, and living culinary prasad sanctuary where Parthasarathy theology, Ottamthullal performing arts, historic Guruvayoor refuge lore, and sacred Palpayasam unite in Ambalapuzha taluk.

Located along NH 66 near the Ambalapuzha market junction, it sits just 14 km south of Alappuzha town center, 2 km from Ambalapuzha Railway Station (AMPA), 15 km from Alappuzha Railway Station (ALLP), and 95 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), easily accessible by coastal buses, auto rickshaws, and private cabs.

The 15th Century Parthasarathy Sanctum & Guruvayoor Refuge

Sculpted from sacred black granite, the main idol depicts Lord Krishna as Parthasarathy imparting the Bhagavad Gita on the Kurukshetra battlefield.

In 1789, when Tipu Sultan's forces threatened North Kerala, the sacred idol of Guruvayoor Temple was safely brought to Ambalapuzha and sheltered here for three years.

Truth is, standing before the illuminated oil lamps of the sanctum sanctorum during deeparadhana provides a moment of profound spiritual stillness.

The Legendary Ambalapuzha Palpayasam Prasadam

The Chess Legend: Legend says Lord Krishna appeared as a sage and challenged the King to chess, demanding grains of rice doubled on each chessboard square, which the King could only repay through endless pots of sweet milk porridge.

Daily Distribution: The luscious pinkish tinted payasam is prepared daily at noon and distributed to waiting devotees at the temple counter.

Birthplace of Ottamthullal & Arattu Festival

Ottamthullal Heritage: Renowned 18th century Malayalam poet Kunchan Nambiar first staged his witty solo dance satire Ottamthullal in the temple courtyard.

Ambalapuzha Arattu: The 10 day annual festival celebrated during Meenam (March April) features grand caparisoned elephant pageants and ceremonial temple bathing rites.

After offering prayers at Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple, tour the coir villages of Alleppey, visit the historic Arthunkal Basilica, or take a scenic backwater boat cruise on Vembanad Lake in Kerala.