Sree Krishna Swamy Temple

Overview

The famous Sree Krishna Swamy temple is situated in Kayamkulam municipality near National highway and it faces towards east. Krishnapuram is believed to be the centre of Kayamkulam Kings. Hence Krishnapuram Palace and the Sree Krishna Temple are historically significant. Formally Kayamkulam include the present Thaluks of Kathikappally, Karunagappally, Mavelikkara and Chengannur. Kayamkulam was also known as ‘Odanadu’. The former king shifted their kingdom from Mavelikkara to Krishnapuram. Once Kayamkulam was a powerful kingdom. The then Kayamkulam King was a worshipper of Lord Krishna. He builds 3 temples for his deity-Krishnapuram, Eruva and Puthiyidam. In ancient times, Krishnapuram Sree Krishna Swamy Temple had great importance.

About the Temple

It is believed that Kayamkulam had a significant role in the success story of Travancore. When Marthanda Varma ascended the throne of Travancore, he started to defeat small kingdoms. Kayamkulam king was killed in the war held in 1734. But the war continued under the leadership of King’s brother. Marthanda Varma and the Diwan Ramayyan Dalawa found out that they couldn’t defeat Kayamkulam. Ramayyan enquired about the secret of success and prosperity of Kayamkulam. Finally he came out with the truth of ‘Sree Chakram’ which is situated inside the Sree Krishna Swamy temple.

Legend and Stories

Ramayyan decided to abduct the powerful ‘Sree Chakram’. He disguised as a mad man and started to settle down near the temple. Gradually he began to assist the Poojari in temple affairs and won everybody’s love and belief. He used to shout that he was carrying the ‘Sree Chakram’ in his bag frantically. The guards checked and found out nothing are unusual. He repeated this. One day he had really stolen the ‘Sree Chakram’ and shouted. But the guards never paid attention regarding it as his usual frantic behaviour. Thus Ramayyan got hold of ‘Sree Chakram’ and left the place. He took it to Travancore Palace. ‘Sree Chakram’ is regarded as the ‘Chakra Rajan’ and as Kayamkulam lost it, they started to face disaster. Later Kayamkulam was attacked by Ramayyan Dalawa and it was attached to Travancore. By the time the Kayamkulam King escaped leaving all his wealth in Ashtamudi Lake. Thus Krishnapuram lost its importance.

Ramayyan Dalawa reconstructed the temple in its present form. Outtupura was made during this time. As the temple lost its glory a new ‘Sree Chakram’ was created by the Saint Viroopaksham Namboothiri’s followers. A procession from Oachira Parabrahma temple took the ‘Sree Chakram’ to Krishnapuram Temple on 30th January 1998. It is placed in the main temple by the left side of Krishna idol. Daily prayers and offerings are made for both Sree Krishna and ‘Sree Chakram’, which is made by ‘Panchaloham’. The other deities in the temple include Lord Siva, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Nagarajas, Brahmarakshas and Gosai. The peculiarities of the temple include the Sree Kovil made of Copper, Namaskara Mandapam, Balikalpura, Aanakottil , Oottupura and Bhajana madam. This makes the temple unique. The main festival will be going on during Ashtami Rohini and Sivarathri. Mandala Chirappu and Ramayana months are also celebrated. The temple is referred in the ‘Unnineeli Sandesham’. ‘Thanthra Avakasham’ is given to ‘Purapperillam’. Near to the temple lies the famous Krishnapuram Palace. The place is well knownfor his architechtual beauty.

Festivals

Ashtami Rohini is celebrated in the month of august every year and Ulsavam is celebrated in the month of April every year.

How To Reach Sree Krishna Swamy Temple

Airport

The Nearest Airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

Railways

The nearest railway station is Kayamkulam.

Road

The nearest Bus stop is Kayamkulam.

Temple Address

Sree Krishna Swamy Temple,
Salem - Kochi Hwy,
Kayamkulam, Krishnapuram,
Kerala 690502.