Located around 14 kms south of Alappuzha town, in the quiet precincts of Ambalappuzha is the legendary Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple. The presiding deity of this temple, Lord Krishna is depicted as ‘Parthasarathy’, the charioteer of Arjuna from the epic Mahabharata. The deity is seen bearing a conch on his left and and a whip in his right. 

Considered to be among the seven great Vaishnava temples in the State, this temple was constructed by the erstwhile ruler of Chembakasserry Sree Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan Thampuran during 15th – 17th AD (790 M.E.). The King is said to have offered his State to the Lord and ruled the country as his regent and assumed the title ‘Deva Narayana’.

The typical Kerala architectural style used in the construction of the temple is a treat to the eye. The Chuttambalam (building constructed around the sanctum sanctorum), adorned with magnificent paintings depicting the Dasavatharam or 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu, is one of the most prominent features of the temple.

The Ambalappuzha Paalpayasam, a sweet pudding made with milk, rice and sugar, that is the ritualistic offering at the temple is world famous. It is believed that Lord Guruvayoorappan himself arrives every day at the time of puja to savour it. The temple is said to be directly connected to the Guruvayoor Temple in Thrissur as during the raids of Tipu Sultan in 1789 the idol of Sree Krishna was kept at the Ambalappuzha Temple for safekeeping. 

The temple is renowned for its Pallipaana performance which is conducted every 12 years by Velans (sorcerers). It was also here at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple that Ottanthullal, a satirical folk art form was performed for the first time. This traditional art form comments on various socio political issues. It is widely believed that Kunchan Nambiar, the legendary Malayalam poet crafted this unique art form on the premises of the Ambalappuzha Temple.

The Arattu is the annual 10 day long festival at the temple. It commences with the flag being hoisted on the Atham day in the Malayalam month of 'Meenam' (March-April). ‘Seva’, ‘Uthsavabali’ and ‘Pallivetta’are some of the different rituals conducted at the temple during the festival. An interesting belief regarding the ‘nataka shala sadya’, a feast on the 9th day of the festival, is that Lord Krishna comes and serves the diners ghee in his childhood form, that of 'kannan'. The 'Arattu' (holy bath) takes place at the Erattakkulangara Mahadeva Temple. The procession to and from the temple is a spectacle to behold and is considered auspicious.

During 'nataka shala sadya', a feast on the 9th day of the festival, it is believed that 'Lord Krisha in his child form 'Kannan'' comes and serves ghee to the diners. The procession to Erattakkulangara Mahadeva Temple for ‘Arattu’ (Holy bath) and return are auspicious and spectacular.

Another festival that draws devotees and tourists to the temple from far and wide is the Chambakulam Moolam Festival. It is one of the most important festivals at the temple and is celebrated every year. In fact, it is the Chambakulam Vallamkali (snakeboat race of Chambakulam) that kicks start the boat race season in Kerala. Believed to be almost four centuries old, the Chambakulam Boat Race is considered to be the oldest in the state.

A timeless testament to the devout spirituality and cultural legacy of the land, the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple is more than just another place of worship. Steeped in myth and legend, this sacred sanctuary is in every sense an embodiment of man’s quest to connect with the divine. Be it the exquisite architecture or the unique tranquility that one experiences in its premises, the Ambalappuzha Temple never fails to enchant or attract visitors in an ever changing world.