Popularly known as the 'Dwarka of the South', Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha, Alapuzha district of Kerala, is a highly frequented place by the Hindu devotees. This ancient temple is believed to be built in the year AD 790 by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran. The architecture of the temple is quite similar to those of other ancient Hindu temples.
The temple is directly associated to Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur. It is believed that during the raids of Tipu Sultan in 1789, the idol of Sri Krishna from the Guruvayur Temple was brought to the Ambalappuzha Temple for safe keeping.
The devotees are offered 'payasam' (made of rice) in prasad. This sweet pudding of rice and milk has an interesting story behind it. As the legend goes, Lord Krishna once appeared in the form of a sage in the court of the king who ruled the region and defeated in the game of chess or chaturanga. The king realized that the sage was not an ordinary man. Finally, Lord Krishna appeared before the king in his original form and asked him to serve 'paal-payasam' in the temple to the pilgrims every day.
The temple is just 14 km from Alleppey, and can be easily accessed by a bus or taxi.
