The Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is a Hindu Temple believed to have been constructed by the local ruler Chembakassery Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran (Alleppey) between the 15th and 17th centuries AD in Alappuzha (Alleppey).
The temple is linked to the famous Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayoor. The idol of the temple is held sacred on a par with Parthasarthi that is posing with a whip in the right hand and a sacred Shanku (conch) in the other hand.
The Palpayasa Nedyam or Payasam, in the form of a sweet pudding prepared of rice and milk, served in this temple is delectable and highly popular amongst devotees. Legend has it that Lord Guruvayoorappan himself visits this temple everyday to have Payasam.
It is widely believed by the locals that Lord Krishna showed up in the form of a sage and played chess with the king, a chess enthusiast, who ruled that time. The king was challenged by the sage to offer him a grain of rice if he emerges victorious, with the condition that each square would double the grain of rice. The king having lost the game was happy to donate the grain of rice but he soon realized this vicious game of doubling the grain of rice on each square as he ran short of the food grain stock. However Lord Krishna, benevolent in his name, grants him a favour to pay him in part and serve paal payasam until and unless he clears his debt.
Adopting Kerala style architecture, the temple boasts of a splendid construction displaying a beautiful painting of different avatars of Lord Vishnu in its premises, a centre-piece of attraction.
Most of all, Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple is notoriously famous for its magical acts and the annual Ottanthullal ritual.
The main festival of this shrine is Chambakulam Moolam celebrated on the Moolam Day every year. This place is always buzzing with pilgrims and tourists to receive the blessings from Lord Krishna. The popular Aaraattu festival during the months of March and April begins with the flag hoisting on the Atham star. Pallipana is celebrated in the temple once in every 12 years.
