Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple

Ambalapuzha, the Land of Lord Krishna is the most gifted tourist and pilgrim center in Kerala. The main attraction is Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna swami temple. In olden days Ambalapuzha was known as Chempakassery. Chempakassery is formed from a ship named Chempaka. The kingdom derived its name from a kind of locally called 'Chempaka' which frequently the waters of the Alleppey coast. The kingdom came to be known as Ambalapuzha only after the construction of the present Sree Krishna Swami Temple at Ambalapuzha in the 16th century by Pooradam Thirunal Thampuran.

The Vigraha at Ambalapuzha looks like Prathasarathi with a whip in the right hand and Shankha in the left. But the deity is worshipped as Unnikrishna or child Krishna.

The Ambalapuzha shrine is famous for its palpayasam, milk porridge of exceptional sweetness. As Nalamkal a put it, it is one of the wonders of Kerala. This is the most important offering at the temple at the uccha (noon) puja. There is a legend behind the introduction of palpayasam as an offering.

During the invasion of Tipu in 1790 A.D. the deity of Sri Krishna installed in Guruvayur temple was brought here for safe custody and installed temporarily in a room to the south of the temple. After the retreat of Tipu, the idol was taken back to Guruvayur. This spot is still held sacred here and is known as Guruvayurambalam, the temple of Guruvayur.

It is also in this temple that 'Pallipana' dance is performed by 'Velans' (sorcerers) once in twelve years.

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