About:

The Ambalapuzha Temple is a typical Kerala style built temple, dedicated to Sree Krishna is situated 8 miles south of Alappuzha, kerala . Ambalapuzha temple is famous for its temple architecture and the milk porridge- Paalpaayasam. Chembakasseri Pooradam built this temple in 800 AD. One of the legends connected with the origin of this temple is related to the sage Vilwamangalam Swaamiyaar. Devanarayana Raja surrendered his kingdom to Sreekrishnan after the consecration of Ambalapuzha temple and assumed the name Devanarayanan. The idol at Ambalapuzha is likened to Parthasaarathhi with a whip in the right hand and a Shankhu (sacred conch) in the left. It is also in this temple that 'Pallipana' dance is performed by 'Velans' (sorcerers) once in twelve years. Human sacrifice was conducted in ancient times. Dedicated to the revered Lord Sree Krishna, Ambalapuzha Temple reflects ancient Kerala temple architecture and is a historians delight. Ambalapuzha Temple was erected in 800 A.D. by Chembakaserri Pooradam and as legend goes the initiative for constructing this temple goes back to an incident related to sage Vilwamangalam Swaamiyaar.Also this temple has association with Guruvayur Temple.



The presiding deity inside the main sanctum at Ambalapuzha Temple Alappuzha is an enchanting idol carved out of black granite that was installed inside the temple in 1613 A.D. on an auspicious Thiruvonam day. The Champakulam boat race that enlivens the backwaters of Alappuzha every year is celebrated to commemorate the establishment of Lord Krishna's idol in the Ambalapuzha Temple premises.Velans or local "sorcerers" perform the legendary Pallipana dance once in 12 years on the Ambalpuzha Temple premises.Ambalapuzha Temple in Alappuzha is also famous for the unique sweetened milk porridge or payasam that is served to devotees as prasadam.Champakulam Moolam Boat Race is conducted every year to commemorate the establishment of Lord Krishna's idol in the Ambalapuzha Temple premises. This festival is conducted every year on the Moolam day of the Mithunam month of the Malayalam era.

Velakali is important in this temple during the Ambalappuzha Arattu. Ambalapuzha Temple is the birth place of 'Ottanthullal', a folk dance of Kerala. Kunjan Nambiar who is the father of Ottanthullal was playing 'Mizhavu' (a musical instrument) for Chakyar's 'Koothu' (another art form of Kerala) at Ambalappuzha temple. In between the play, Nambiar slept and Chakyar made fun of him. Neighbouring Alleppey, with its beautiful backwaters and canals has a water carnival and Regatta conducted every year as part of the Independence Day celebrations.

Location info:

Address:Alappuzha, Kerala, India

District: Alappuzha District
Nearest City: Cherthala, Ambalapuzha and Kuttanad
Best time to visit:October to May.

Climate/Weather:

In Summers (March to May) have a dry and humid weather with maximum temperature to nearly 37°C, Winters (December- February) are pleasant with temperature between 22°C to 30°C.

History:

Amalappuzha temple was the head quarters of Chembakasseri Kingdom. The rules of Chempakasseri were Malayala Brahmins and they were in power upto the 1st half of 18th Century. The dynasty came into existence in the 14th century. Chempakasseri is the old name of Ambalapuzha and the rajas(rulers) were known as Devanarayana. The present temple was constructed by Pooradam Thirunal Devaranayanan between 1615 – 1630. But the idol was installed here in 14th century. There is a legend behind the installation of Lord Krishna at Ambalappuzha.

Once, the founder of Chempakasseri reign King Devanarayan was traveling in boat(Natan Vallam) through canals with Villwamangalathu Swamiyar. By the by Villwamangalam could here a melodious flute song from a palm tree. He listened and tried to find that the source from were that song flowed. Actually he was thrilled all of sudden on the vision of Lord Krishna in his yellow dress and Mayilpeeli crown( Peacock Crown) and the flute in hands. An ardent devotee of Krishna , Swamiyar could see the Bhagavan Sreekrishna in his open eyes and conveyed the experience to the King. Thereby he was requested to erect a Sree Krishna Temple at the spot where the physical appearance of Lord Krishna was found. As per the message of Villwamangalam, Devenarayana constructed a temple and decided to install a Krishna Vigraha. The idol was prepared and the date for the installation was also decided. Kudamaloor Kadiyakol Namboothiri was the main thanthri and Puthumana Namboothiri was an invitee to assist Pooja in connection with installation. While they were conducting the initial poojas, Puthumana abruptly stated to Kadiyakol that the idol constructed for the installation was impure and not suitable. Kadiyakol disagreed and argued if Puthumana could prove the impurity of the idol he would share his right as Thanthi to Puthumana. Then Puthumana kept silent for a moment with prayer and made a knock on the side of the idol by a pooja vessel. It was shocking scene for everybody. As soon as Puthumana knocked the idol it was broken and a frog and some water came out from the abdomen portion of the idol. Kadiyakol was really shocked at the incident and he had to keep his promise. Since that incident Puthumana could achieve the right of thanthri along with Kadiyakol. Now the members of Kadiyakol and Puthumana Namboothiris are leading the poojas equally.

By this unhappy incident King Devanarayan was worried and he did not see any alternative arrangements for the installation in the scheduled time To overcome the crisis Minister Parayil Menon came forward and sought the permission of the King to bring another Krishna idol. He was aware of the beautiful Krishna idol at Kurichi near Kottayam . At that time Kurichi was under the control of Thekkumkur Raja. He was not in good terms with Chempakasseri. Hence it was not easy to get the idol in proper way. Menon with the permission of King started to Kurichi with a few soldiers in a boat(Natan Vanchi). He reached Kurichi and influenced Valiyamadathil Panicker who was in-charge of the temple. By the assistance of Panicker, Parayil Menon captured the idol and started to Ambalapuzha. To inform the local public he set fire loudly and that attempt was to make clear that the idol was not stolen. They reached at Champakulam in the evening through Pampa River and idol was carried safe to Mappilasseri, a Christian family for sandhya pooja. The message was passed to Ambalapuzha that Krishna idol had been ready to install at Ambalapuzha. The very next day people from all walks of life irrespective of caste creed and religion the idol was welcomed to Amablapuzha accompanied in several boats with songs and enjoyment. The star of that day was “Moolam” in the Malayalam month “Mithunam.” The idol was received with warm welcome and installed at Ambalapuzha To commemorate the day of installation Moolam Valam Kali is celebrated every year and it was the first boat race competition of Kerala. Moolam day is still a ceremonial day for Ambalapuzha and Kuttanadu region.

After the installation the Chempakasseri became prosperous and famous. The King concentrated in temple matters and the temple was the headquarters of his dynasty. In the 16th centaury Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayan was reconstructed the new temple. His period was the golden period of Chempakasseri dynasty .

Interesting things to do:

You can see the Champakulam boat race that enlivens the backwaters of Alappuzha every year is celebrated to commemorate the establishment of Lord Krishna's idol in the Ambalapuzha Temple and you can have payasam that is served to devotees as prasadam.

Interesting things to Visit:

Mannarshala Temple:

The Mannarshala Temple is about 32 km from Alappuzha and an important center of serpent worship in Kerala. On the occasion of Ayilyam (in the months of September and October), thousands gather to worship the serpent god.

Alappuzha Beach :

Alappuzha Beach is a very attractive beach. he Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot, The pier extending into the sea is over 137 years old. One of the great attractions for the visitors here is the lighthouse and the Vijaya Beach Park. The park offers a wde range of entertainment facilities like boating, children\’s park with toy train and bicycles, etc.

Backwater Cruise:

View the landscape beauty , monuments, temples,churches and industries of Alappuzha by cruising through its Temples,canals and backwaters.The starting point is from Alleppey and the finishing point is at Jetty .

Karumadikuttan:

The small village near Ambalapuzha is known for the black granite idol of Lord Buddha known as Karumadikuttan. The idol dates back to 9th or 10th century.

Punnapra:

A short distance from Alappuzha is Punnapra, a village which has gone down in history as the scene of a bitter and heroic fighting between the communists and Travancore State Police during the Punnapra Vayalar Communist uprising of 1946.

Mararikulam:

Situated on the coast south of Alappuzha,12 Kms. from Alappuzha, it houses a quiet beach and has an adjoining fishing village. Pool, tennis, water sports and Ayurvedic treatments are the leisure time activities one can available of.

Pandavan Rock:

Pandavan Rock gets its name from the Pandavas of Mahabharata who stayed in a cave here during the time of their exile. Pandavan Para, also known as the Rock of the Pandavas is an ideal picnic spot. It takes walking to get to this location, but it is not a hard climb. Most people that are in good health can easily manage the climb. There are several vantage points with terrific views along the trail. The panoramic view that can be seen when you reach the rocky outcrop at the top is exceptional.

Pathiramannal:

Pathiramannal is a small island found in the Vembanad Lake near Alleppey. This magnificent location can only be traveled to on a boat. Its remote location adds to the intrigue for those that especially love to explore. Birdwatchers love to travel to this breathtaking location is hundreds of rare migratory birds like to gather there. It is possible to see such birds as golden-backed woodpeckers, night herons, kingfishers, paradise fly-catchers, egrets, bulbuls, shrikes, morning doves, crow pheasants, and drongos.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:

Alleppey railway station, and Alleppey is well connected by train to Cochin and Trivandrum.

Nearest Airport:

Trivandrum International Airport and Cochin International Airport

Road Transport:

Ambalapuzha is easily accessible by road from Alappuzha. The temple is close to NH47 Highway between Alappuzha and Haripad. Any one who visit Alappuzha need to visit this beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and enjoy the Palpayasam from the temple.

Nearest Visiting places:

Krishnapuram Palace:

Located at a distance of 47 km from Alappuzha on the way to Kollam, this palace was built in the 18th century during the reign of Marthanda Varma. This palace is noted for its typical Kerala architecture, with gabled roof, dormer windows and narrow corridors. Here you will find the famous mural kept in the western end of the ground floor, called ‘Gajendra Moksham’ which is the largest mural in Kerala.

Kuttanad Region:

The region is known as the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala'. It is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done below sea level. The boat trip to Changanacherry passes through this beautiful and fertile region.

Arthunkal Church:

This christian Pilgrim centre near Sherthalai is 22 km. north of alappuzha. The St. Andrews Church here was built by Portuguese missionaries.

Edathua Church:

This church, dedicated to St. George is of special significance as it is believed that prayers and offerings here help in healing all kinds of mental disorders and other ailments. The annual feast is held from 5th - 7th May and attracts devotees from all parts of south India.

The Vijaya Beach Park:

Picnic spot with children’s park & boating facilities.

Karumadi:

Karumadi, three Kms. east of Ambalappuzha, has a statue of Budha called Karumadikuttan, a perennial source of interest for the tourists.

Subrahmanya Swamy temple, Haripad:

Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple at Haripad is one among the three oldest temples of Kerala. Daily a number of devotees come to this holy shrine. It is believed that the temple was established even before the advert of ‘Kaliyuga‘. There are two legends connected with the origin of this temple. One is based on the story mentioned in the ‘Skandapurana‘ and the other is related to the payippad Snake-boat race.

Chavara Bhavan:

Chavara Bhavan is the ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. It is now a holy shrine and spiritual resort where thousands of devotees gather for prayer, receive favours and feel amply gratified. Here, a 250 year old historically important beacon of light is preserved intact in its original.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Pathirappally Petrol Pump
Alappuzha, Kerala
Tel: 09388844689

BP Petrol Pump
Alappuzha, Kerala

Aswathy Petrol Pump
Alappuzha, Kerala.

Indianoil Petrol Pump
Mavelikkara, Alappuzha
Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Kayaloram Heritage Lake Resort
Punnamada Alleppey
Kerala 688006
Tel: 0484 2352744.

Akkarakalam Memoirs
West chennamkary P.O
Alappuzha
Kerala 688501
Tel: 0477 2762345.

Green Palace Resort
Chempumpuram P.O
Alleppey
Kerala 688505
Tel: 0944712571.

Alleppey Homestays- Aashiana Homestay
Civil Station Ward
Alleppey, Kerala 688001
Tel :0477 2238808.

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:

Marrarikulam Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala
Tel: 0478 2862391.

Nedumudy Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala.

Pulincunnoo Police Station
Alappuzha,
Kerala
Tel :0477 2222222.

Muhamma Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala.

Ambalapuzha Police Station
Ambalapulai
Alappuzha, Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

District Ayurveda Hospital
Alapuzzha, Kerala.

Vandanam Medical College Hospital
Alappuzha, Kerala.

Surya Hospital
Ambalapulai
Alappuzha, Kerala.

Ursula Hospital
Ambalapulai
Alappuzha, Kerala.

Government Hospital
Pulincunnoo
Alappuzha, Kerala.

Society/Community Phone Number:

Link:

http://tourstravelsme.blogspot.com/2009/10/ambalapuzha-sree-krishnan-temple.html
http://indiandream.blogspot.com/2009/09/date-with-ambalapuzha-unni-kannan-well.html
http://keralatourismblogs.blogspot.com/2009/07/ambalapuzha-sri-krishna-temple.html
http://famoustemplesinkerala.blogspot.com/2008/07/ambalapuzha-sreekrishna-temple.html
http://touristways.blogspot.com/2007/03/ambalapuzha-temple.html
http://palpayasam.blogspot.com/2007/02/ambalapuzha-temple-is-famous-for-its.html
http://ambalapuzhatemple.blogspot.com/2007/02/ambalapuzha-krishna-introduction-once.html
http://seekerala.blogspot.com/2008/12/ambalapuzha-sree-krishna-temple.html
http://mytripguide.blogspot.com/2009/06/alappuzha.html

Photo Gallery

Video Gallery

Alappuzha Beach
Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular beaches of Kerela located in the district of Alappuzha. The beach is located at roughly 5 kms from the Alappuzha railway station and has the Arabian Sea on the west and a large network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater Temples intersection.Alappuzha is a tiny place located on a thin strip of land between the Arabian Sea and the Punnamada Backwaters. The place is fondly referred to as the Venice of East because of its striking similarity between the two (Alappuzha and Venice) with regards to intricate maze of backwaters, canals and bridges......more
Marari Beach
Marari Beach (Mararikulam) is situated about 60 kms south of Cochin and even less from Alleppey.south of Cochin. This town ship will also be able to provide delight to your desires in the non vegetarian delicacies. This beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in India. The tourists would love to spend their days and evenings watching the fishermen perform their mundane chores. The din and bustle of the fishermen with their work will be able to calm the disturbances of your heart. Stand in the evening looking forward the setting sun and his valor, it is amazing.The tourists can also go out for swimming and sailing in the etherized water of the sea. .....more
Mararikulam Beach
This beatiful beach is situated at Marari village about 12 km from Alleppey and 60 km from Kochi, A pure and soft Mararikulam beach welcomes into its warm embrace as you decide to spend your holiday tours on this strikingly beautiful beach.Mararikulam Beach is comparatively a new beach destination where you have pristine sand beaches, swinging coconut palms and plenty of solitude. Experience the local aroma in the environment and traditional hospitality in the conduct of the people. Spend your time getting a stunning suntan, exploring the route of the backwaters, changing moods of the sea, witnessing the daily routine of the locals and consuming the scenic beauty of the beach......more
Pathiramanal Backwaters
Pathiramanal is a small island on the backwaters of Alappuzha,is a haven for hundreds of rare birds migrating from different parts of the world.This little Island on the backwaters is a birdwatcher's delight. Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake,stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi and the Kayamkulam lake, Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat.The green island thus forms an ideal place for a break in the journey while on a backwater cruise.Themainland Alappuzha has a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water Temples criss crossing it and is a district of immense natural beauty.It has a mytholigical significance attached to its creation......more
St George Horeb Jacobite Syrian Church
St. George horeb Jacobite Syrian church (Chennithala Horeb Church) is located in chennithala Village, Mavelikkara thaluk of Alappuzha district in Kerala state.(Niranam Diocese) Under the holy apostolic see of Antioch and all the east. Chennithala is a village where Hindus, Muslims and Christians live together in religious harmony. There are many ancient Hindu temples. Christians of all denominations have their place of worship in Chennithala.The present Christian community in Chennithala is the generations of Christians converted by St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, who came to malankara and established a church in Niranam in A.D.58, which is one among the seven& half (Ezhera pally) churches in malankara.....more
Alappuzha City
Alappuzha/alleppey district is surrounded by Ernakulam district towards the north, Kollam district towards the south and Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts towards the east. Alappuzha or Alleppey is an entrancing region of awe-inspiring natural beauty with the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast tangle of cerulean lakes, serene backwaters and freshwater Temples, is usually referred as the Venice of the East.Alappuzha is one of the exotic backwater sites in the state of Kerala. This city of south India is situated close to the Arabian Sea and is interlocked by a number of canals and bridges. Alappuzha city guide is also famous for its Nehru Trophy boat race held every year......more
Krishnapuram Palace
Krishnapuram Palace is located Kayamkulam, 47 km from Alappuzha (Alleppey), Alappuzha district. Built in the 18th century by Marthanda Varma, This two-storied Krishnapuram Palace was once the residence of the Maharajas/rulers of Kayamkulam kingdom. This palace features narrow corridors, saddled roofs and dormer windows. This palace is under the supervision of Archaeology department and is one of the brilliant Kerala highlights. Krishnapuram Palace has been restored as a heritage building and is visited by several tourists.Its gabled roofs, narrow corridors and dormer windows are reflective of the typical Kerala style.It is now under archeological survey of India and showcases the traditional Kerala architecture with narrow corridors, gabled roofs and dormer windows.....more
Pulinkunnu Island
Pulinkunnu is an island village nestled among Pampa Nadhi, backwaters, lakes, wetlands and canals.Pulincunnu is an island village in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala.Pulincunnu is located in the Kuttanad taluk and region of Alappuzha District.The scenic beauty of the wide river ride through the Pampa river is the reason why this route is one of the most favoured by houseboats tourism operators in Kerala. It is part of the Kerala Backwaters, a network of lakes, wetlands, and canals. The famous Rajiv Gandhi Trophy boat race is held here during the months of October-November every year.....more
Kayamkulam Lake
Kayamkulam Lake is located inKayamkulam, Alpuzzha district.it is spread over an area of 60 sq km and is one of the most scenic backwaters in Kerala. The lake, which lies in both the Allepey and Quilon district, is a shallow lake which merges with the sea at the Kayamkulam barrage. Stretching between Panmana and Karthikappally, the Kayamkulam Lake has an area of 59.57 sq km, a length of 30 km and an average breadth of 2.4 Km. It connects the Ashtamudi Lake by the Chavara-Panmana canal.he wide opening of the lake into the Arabian Sea offers spectacular view of the sunset through the web of Chinese fishing nets to the tourists cruising in the houseboats.....more
Punnamada Lake
Punnamada Lake is located just 3 kms from the Alappuzha city, Alappuzha district, kerala.Spread over 10.5 acres with water frontage stretching over a kilometer, the resort enjoys an ever refreshing weather.Punnamada Lake is surrounded by coconut and areca nut trees and lush vegetations. A journey in the country-made boats through the lake will provide awe-inspiring sights of paddy fields and stretches of coconut palm groves.Punnamada Lake is where the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race takes place. Every year during the second Saturday of August, thousands of people throng to this place to witness the breathtaking boat race......more
Mannarshala Temple
Mannarsala Nagaraja Temple is one of the most important centre of snake worship in Kerala, Sree Nagaraja temple is situated at Mannarsala near Haripad town, about 35 Km away from Alappuzha on the Alappuzha-Kollam route. Mannarsala Ayilyam is the famous Festival of this Temple. It is believed that by 'Uruhi Kamizhthal', which is placing a bell shaped vessel upside down as an offering to the deity,childless couples are blessed with children. The sacred turmeric paste of the temple is believed to cure leprosy. The eldest Female member of the Mannarsala Family Known as 'Amma' is performing Pujas in the temple.The temple is one of themost important centers of serpent Worship in Kerala.....more