Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple in Alappuzha, Kerala
Kerala is an ancient and beautiful region of India, which is ethnocultural and socially, as well as religiously active, and is well-known as ‘’God’s Own Country’’ Temples are found in abundance in Alappuzha and, with a specific focus on the cultural, architectural, as well as the religious values associated with the site, the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple can be spoken of. Besides being a praying place this temple of Lord Krishna is also a symbolic equivalent of Kerala’s historical heritage. Hence, the temple of Lord Krishna is depicted as a praying place as well as a cultural symbol of Keralite history. In this blog, we will explore the temple’s mysterious history and its meaning in people’s belief systems, peculiar architectural features, and its current popularity.
A Glimpse into the History
The temple has been in existence since the 15th century and the credit for constructing it goes to Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran the King of Chembakassery Kingdom. The temple was built as a place of worship meant for Lord Krishna in the form of ‘Unnikannan’ or the young Lord Krishna. It is said that the idol now adored in Ambalappuzha was shifted from the Guruvayoor Temple to save it from the impending attack by Tipu Sultan. Besides stressing its historical aspects this event also underlines the cult value of this temple as sheltering the divine idol.
There are also historical links between the temple, its founder Chembakasserry Thampuran and Lord Krishna. There is a legend that he had a vision of the deity ordering him to construct a temple in Ambalappuzha. Based on this divine dictate, the king constructed the temple over the years which has since served as the basis of religious and cultural values of the people of Kerala.
The Spiritual Significance
The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is not merely a religious shrine Ananthapuri art, music and drama have their origin in this holy abode of Sri Krishna and Sri Rukmini. The temple is particularly known for ‘Ambalappuzha Palpayasam’, a milk rice kheer recipe prepared with rice, milk and sugar served to Lord Krishna on a daily basis. This prasadam is said to be sanctified by the deity and people go to the temple to have some of it. The Palpayasam is now popularly associated with the temple and the preparation involves a recipe that is regarded as arcane.
It also has links with the classical art form ‘Ottanthullal’, a dance drama enacted for the first time in this temple by the foremost Malayalam poet Kunchan Nambiar. The temple has been a starting point of satire and performance based storytelling artform Ottanthullal; hence it is not only a religious hub, but also a theater of Art of Kerala.
That is why, once a year, they have the so-called ‘Moolam Festival,’ dedicated to the installation of the idol in the inner sanctum. This festival is a major one marked by pompous Chloraka rituals and processions and other cultural dances. The existence of this temple and its relation with this festival has further enhanced its religious and tourism importance among pilgrims and tourists.
Architectural Grandeur
The Sri Krishna Temple of Ambalappuzha is a fine specimen of the style of architecture generally seen in temples of Kerala. The temple is mainly built with wooden structures and stones and is adorned with carvings and mural paintings with religious themes from the Hindu epic. The deity of Lord Krishna which is housed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is designed with great architectural brilliance and serenity that pervades through the structure. Another magnificent feature that defines the architectural brilliance of this temple is that of the gopuram, which is the elaborate gateway tower that contains some breathtaking carved.
The tiled roof with a classic slope made of copper is the second feature of the Kerala religious architecture, of which Morning is an example. This design on one side makes the temple beautiful and on the other hand, it is one of the ways by which the temple was shielded from heavy stones brought about by monsoon rains common in the area. The other important structural feature of the temple is recorded as the temple pond, known as the Ambalappuzha Kulam. This large water body not only enhances the beauty of the temple but also is required for various rituals and poojas. Due to the serene water of the pond, the reflection of the temple brings out the beauty and is a good site for photography and visitors.
Why the Temple Became Famous
The Temple of Lord Sri Krishna at Ambalapuzha can be credited with several factors The most notable of them being, the Palpayasam the prasadam of the Temple. This sweet has, over the years, evolved to a point where people from all over the world congregate to be blessed by its holy effect. Kunchan Nambiar began the Ottanthullal dance form and the temple associated with it brings yet another cultural importance making the temple an artistic identity for Kerala.
The Moolam Festival which is also celebrated every year to indicate the installation of idols of the deity is also an added reason for the fame of the temple. This is a big festival in Kerala where many rituals are performed, many Cultural programs are staged and there is a large congregation of devotees. This position of the temple in the festival has placed it at the center of religious and cultural activities in the area.
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