About Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple
The Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple stands in the heart of Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, a short walk from the Vadakkunnathan temple and the Thekkinkadu Maidan. Two deities are worshipped here with equal importance: Krishna in the form of a child (Unnikrishnan) and the goddess Bhagavati. There are also smaller shrines for Ganesha, Sastha and other deities. The temple is best known as one of the two main participants in the Thrissur Pooram, the spectacular annual festival of elephants, percussion and fireworks.
At the Pooram, the Thiruvambadi side and the Paramekkavu side, led by the Bhagavati of the nearby Paramekkavu temple, present friendly rival displays. In local belief, the Thiruvambadi Bhagavati is regarded as the younger sister of the Paramekkavu goddess. The festival as it is known today is traditionally credited to Sakthan Thampuran, the 18th-century ruler of Cochin, who brought several local temples together for a combined celebration. On Pooram day the Thiruvambadi goddess sets out in procession, accompanied by caparisoned elephants and the panchavadyam ensemble, and the celebrations reach their height at the Vadakkunnathan temple grounds with the kudamattam, the fast exchange of colourful parasols, and night fireworks.
The temple follows the classic Kerala style, with sanctums under sloping tiled roofs, a pillared hall, lamp towers and a walled courtyard. The complex is busy and full of daily life, with devotees stopping in for darshan on their way through the city. The temple has also been home to well-known elephants that took part in the Pooram, and the elephant-loving culture of Thrissur is easy to sense here.
Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Early morning (approx.) |
| Deeparadhana | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple
By air
Cochin International Airport is about 55 km away.
By train
Thrissur railway station is about 2 km away.
By road
The temple is in central Thrissur on the Shoranur road, close to the Swaraj Round; autos and city buses are plentiful.
Festivals at Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple
- Thrissur PooramApr/May
- Ashtami Rohini (Janmashtami)Aug/Sep
- VishuApr
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Following Kerala temple custom, men usually remove shirts and wear a mundu or dhoti; women wear saree or other traditional dress. Entry to the inner temple is generally for Hindus.
- Entry
- Free.
- During Thrissur Pooram the city is packed; book stays well ahead and follow police guidance near the Vadakkunnathan grounds.
- Photography is generally not allowed inside the temple.
- Follow the Kerala temple dress code.
- Visit the Vadakkunnathan and Paramekkavu temples nearby on the same walk.
Places to visit near Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple
- Vadakkunnathan TempleAncient Shiva temple at the centre of Thrissur, about 1 km away
- Paramekkavu Bhagavathi TemplePartner temple of the Thrissur Pooram, about 1 km away
- Sakthan Thampuran PalacePalace museum of the Cochin rulers, about 2 km away
- Guruvayur Sri Krishna TempleOne of Kerala's holiest Krishna temples, about 27 km away
Frequently asked questions
Which deities are worshipped at Thiruvambadi temple?
Krishna in the form of a child and the goddess Bhagavati, both with equal importance.
What is Thiruvambadi's role in Thrissur Pooram?
Thiruvambadi is one of the two main sides of the Pooram, alongside Paramekkavu, and leads one of the great processions with elephants and percussion.
What are the Thiruvambadi temple timings?
It is usually open from early morning to noon and again from late afternoon to about 8:30 PM. Times may vary; check locally.
How far is Thiruvambadi temple from Thrissur station?
It is about 2 km from Thrissur railway station.
What is the aarti time at Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple?
Morning puja: Early morning (approx.); Deeparadhana: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple?
Following Kerala temple custom, men usually remove shirts and wear a mundu or dhoti; women wear saree or other traditional dress. Entry to the inner temple is generally for Hindus.
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