About Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple
The Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is in the town of Ambalappuzha in Alappuzha district, in the backwater country of central Kerala. Lord Krishna is worshipped here as Parthasarathi, the charioteer of Arjuna, holding a whip in one hand and a conch in the other. It is counted among the great temples of the old Travancore region and is especially loved for its palpayasam, a sweet rice-and-milk pudding offered to the deity and shared with devotees. A popular belief says that Guruvayurappan himself comes here every day to taste it.
The temple was built by the rulers of Chembakassery (the Ambalappuzha principality); sources place its founding between the 15th and 17th centuries, and dates differ. A well-known legend tells that Krishna came to the king disguised as a sage and challenged him to chess. As his prize the sage asked for rice: one grain on the first square, two on the second, and so on, doubling each time. The king soon realised his granaries could never pay such a debt. The sage then revealed himself as Krishna and asked that payasam be served to pilgrims every day until the debt was cleared. History also records that during the invasion of Tipu Sultan in 1789 the idol of Guruvayur was brought here for safe keeping for some time. The poet Kunchan Nambiar, who created the ottan thullal art form, is closely associated with the temple.
The temple follows the traditional Kerala style, with a circular or square sanctum under a sloping copper and tiled roof, a pillared namaskara mandapam in front, and a walled courtyard with a tall flagstaff and lamp towers. Wooden carvings and murals decorate parts of the complex. A large temple pond lies nearby, and the temple elephants are an important part of its festivals.
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 3:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Nirmalyam darshan | Around 3:00 AM (approx.) |
| Ucha puja (noon puja) | Late morning (approx.) |
| Deeparadhana | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple
By air
Cochin International Airport is about 95 km away; Thiruvananthapuram airport is about 145 km away.
By train
Ambalappuzha station is about 2 km away; Alappuzha station is about 14 km away.
By road
The temple is close to the national highway between Alappuzha and Kollam, with frequent buses and easy auto-rickshaw access.
Festivals at Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple
- Ambalappuzha Arattu festivalMar/Apr
- Chambakulam Moolam boat raceJun/Jul
- Ashtami Rohini (Janmashtami)Aug/Sep
- VishuApr
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Following Kerala temple custom, men usually enter bare-chested wearing a mundu or dhoti; women wear saree or other traditional dress. Entry to the inner temple is generally for Hindus.
- Entry
- Free. Palpayasam and other offerings can be booked at the counter.
- Book palpayasam early in the day; it is the temple's most famous offering and can run out.
- Follow the Kerala dress code; men may need to remove shirts before entering.
- Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
- Combine the visit with a backwater cruise from Alappuzha.
Places to visit near Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple
- Karumadi KuttanAncient Buddha statue by the canal, about 5 km away
- Alappuzha beach and backwatersHouseboat hub, about 14 km away
- ChambakulamVillage of the Moolam boat race and an old church, about 15 km away
- Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja TempleFamous serpent temple near Haripad, about 20 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why is Ambalappuzha famous?
For its Krishna temple, its palpayasam offering and the legend of Krishna and the chessboard.
What is the legend of Ambalappuzha palpayasam?
Tradition says Krishna, disguised as a sage, won a chess game and asked for doubling grains of rice, and the king agreed to serve payasam to pilgrims daily to repay the debt.
What are the Ambalappuzha temple timings?
It is usually open from about 3 AM to 12:30 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM. Times may vary; check locally.
Is there a dress code at Ambalappuzha temple?
Yes. Men usually enter bare-chested in a mundu or dhoti, and women wear traditional dress.
What is the aarti time at Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple?
Nirmalyam darshan: Around 3:00 AM (approx.); Ucha puja (noon puja): Late morning (approx.); Deeparadhana: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
How to reach Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple?
By air: Cochin International Airport is about 95 km away; Thiruvananthapuram airport is about 145 km away. By train: Ambalappuzha station is about 2 km away; Alappuzha station is about 14 km away. By road: The temple is close to the national highway between Alappuzha and Kollam, with frequent buses and easy auto-rickshaw access.
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