Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Kerala
Built in the typical Kerala architectural style, the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple is a Hindu shrine that is located in the district of Alapuzha, Kerala in southern India.
The temple is believed to have been constructed in around 15 to 17 AD by the local ruler, Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran. It is directly associated with the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple, as during the raids in 1789 of Tipu Sultan, the idol of Sri Krishna from Guruvayoor was brought to Ambalappuzha for safe keeping.
The temple is famous all over the country for its idol that is likened to Parthasarthi with a shankhu or sacred conch in the left hand and a whip in the right and the palpayasam, which is a daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge served for Hindu devotees. This sweet pudding made of milk and rice basically has a mythological legend, where it is believed that Guruvayoorappan has reached here every day to have it at the time of Palpayasa Nedyam. It is also here where Pallipana is performed by sorcerers, called velans, once every 12 years.
Other interesting features here include the paintings of the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu (Dasavatharam) that are displayed on the inner walls of the Chuttambalam and the a satiric art form created by the poet Kunchan Nambiar, known as Ottanthullal. For a spiritual experience during your holiday in Kerala, make sure you visit Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple