Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna located in Ambalappuzha, Alappuzha district of Kerala. Built during the 15th century by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran, the temple features traditional Kerala architecture and houses a distinctive idol of Krishna depicted as Parthasarathi holding a whip and conch. The temple is renowned for its daily offering of Palpayasam, a sweet milk porridge considered sacred prasadam.

Visitors can experience traditional Kerala temple architecture with a large temple tank reflecting evening lamps. The temple complex includes multiple entry gates, with the Western Gate featuring shops and parking facilities. Devotees participate in morning and evening darshan sessions and can receive the famous Palpayasam prasadam distributed around noon. The temple maintains a peaceful atmosphere with oil lamps lining the outer walls of the Nalambalam structure.

The temple was built during the 15th century CE by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran. During Tipu Sultan's raids in 1789, the idol of Sri Krishna from Guruvayoor Temple was brought to Ambalappuzha Temple for safekeeping for three years. The temple origins are connected with the saint Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, a devoted Brahmin follower of Lord Krishna who lived during the 17th century.

The temple is one of the seven greatest temples of Travancore and is often called the Dwarka of the South. It is famous for the legendary Palpayasam story involving Lord Krishna defeating a king at chess. The temple hosts the rare Pallipana ritual performed by Velans (traditional practitioners) once every twelve years. The annual Arattu festival commences with flag hoisting on the Atham day in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April).