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

Climate/Weather:

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:

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.

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