Sri Krishna Temple Ambalapuzha
Sri Krishna Temple at Ambalapuzha is about 14 kilometers (9 miles) south of Alleppey, and is among Kerala's famous temples for its typical temple architectural style. Devotees at the temple also look forward to the palpayasam, a sweet pudding made of rice and milk offered to the deity. The Aaraattu celebrations at the temple take place in March-April. The Velakali dance performed by local artists is an important feature of this festival. ‘Pallipana' another dance form is performed by Velans (sorcerers) once in twelve years at this temple.
The Vigraha at Ambziapuzha 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 Nalamkala put it, it is one of the wonders of Kerala. This is the most important offering at the temple at the uccha (noon) puja.
The temple is dedicated to Parthasarthy (Lord Krishna) and has an idol carved out of black granite stone. According to popular legend, when Vilvamangalam Swamy, an ardent devotee of Sri Krishna and a scholar, and the Maharaja of Travancore, Pooradam Thirunal Thampuram, were cruising the Kuttanandan backwaters, they heard a melodious music to the accomplishment of flute from the top of a banyan tree. Peering anxiously, the king couldn't locate the source, while Vilvamangalam was spellbound by a bright halo and the form of Bala Murali Krishna. Ecstatic with joy, the saint sat through the entire music till the bright glow doused down. Later on, as per the swami's wishes, a beautiful temple in classic Kerala style of architecture was constructed on this spot by the king. And a beautiful idol of Bala Gopala Krishna carved out of black granite stone was installed. 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.
>> Agasteeshwara Temple
>> Anantha Padmanabhaswami Temple
>> Ananthasana Temple
>> Annapoorneshwari Temple
>> Arunachaleshwar Temple