January 29, 2026 
The temple follows the Malayalam calendar for its festivities. For 2026, these are the significant dates to keep in mind:
Important Days and Dates
- Ambalapuzha Arattu (Annual Festival): This is the most important 10-day festival. In 2026, it is expected to be held in March/April (Malayalam month of Meenam). It begins with the flag hoisting on the Atham star and concludes with the Arattu (holy bath) on the Thiruvonam star.
- Champakulam Moolam (Water Festival): Celebrated in June/July (Mithunam month), marking the day the deity’s idol was brought to the temple.
- Ashtami Rohini: The birthday of Lord Krishna (Janmashtami), usually in August/September.
- Pallipana: A unique ritual performed by Velans (sorcerers) once every 12 years.
- Vijayabali: An extremely rare festival occurring once every 144 years (last held in 1955).
How to Reach
Delhi to Ambalapuzha
- By Air: Fly from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Cochin International Airport (COK). From the airport, you can take a taxi or a KSRTC bus to Ambalapuzha (approx. 100 km / 3 hours).
- By Train: Direct trains like the Kerala Sampark Kranti (12218) or Himsagar Express (16318) run from New Delhi to Alappuzha (ALLP). The temple is about 14 km from Alappuzha station.
Ahmedabad to Ambalapuzha
- By Air: Fly from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) to Cochin International Airport (COK). Proceed via road or local train to Ambalapuzha
- By Train: The Hapa-Tirunelveli SF Express (12998) or Porbandar-Kochuveli Express (20910) stops at Alappuzha (ALLP). The journey takes approximately 32–36 hours.
History of the Temple
The temple was built between the 15th and 17th centuries by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan Thampuran.
The Legend of the Chess Game:
It is said the King was outsmarted in a game of chess by a sage (Lord Krishna in disguise). The sage asked for rice as a prize: one grain on the first square, two on the second, and so on, doubling each time. The total amount exceeded the world’s supply. The Lord then revealed himself and told the King he could pay the debt by serving Palpayasam (milk porridge) to all devotees daily until the debt was cleared.
Main Poojas Performed
The temple is globally famous for its unique offering, the Ambalapuzha Palpayasam.
-
- Palpayasa Nivedyam The primary offering. A sweet milk porridge made with a specific ratio of rice, milk, and sugar, boiled for hours. Legend says Lord Krishna visits daily to taste it.
- Udayasthamana Pooja A full-day pooja from sunrise to sunset involving 18 specific rituals and special feasts (Sadyas).
- ThulabharamA popular ritual where a devotee is weighed against offerings like banana, sugar, or coconut to fulfill a vow.
- Santhana Gopala Archana Performed specifically by couples seeking the blessing of children.
- Ethrithu Pooja An early morning ritual performed just after the temple opens, accompanied by traditional music.
Attire (Dressing Guidelines) for Pooja
The temple strictly follows the traditional Kerala dress code:
Men:
-
- Recommended: Mundu (Dhoti/Veshti).
- Requirement: must remove their shirts and vests before entering the inner sanctum. Chests must remain bare.
Women:
-
- Saree, Set-Mundu, or Long Skirts with blouses.
Restrictions:
-
- Salwar Kameez is generally allowed, but traditional Kerala attire is preferred. Jeans, leggings, and short dresses are strictly restricted.
Official Websites
Government Website:
https://alappuzha.nic.in/
Temple Administration:
https://tdb.gov.in/
Description
The temple follows the Malayalam calendar for its festivities. For 2026, these are the significant dates to keep in mind:
Important Days and Dates
- Ambalapuzha Arattu (Annual Festival): This is the most important 10-day festival. In 2026, it is expected to be held in March/April (Malayalam month of Meenam). It begins with the flag hoisting on the Atham star and concludes with the Arattu (holy bath) on the Thiruvonam star.
- Champakulam Moolam (Water Festival): Celebrated in June/July (Mithunam month), marking the day the deity’s idol was brought to the temple.
- Ashtami Rohini: The birthday of Lord Krishna (Janmashtami), usually in August/September.
- Pallipana: A unique ritual performed by Velans (sorcerers) once every 12 years.
- Vijayabali: An extremely rare festival occurring once every 144 years (last held in 1955).
How to Reach
Delhi to Ambalapuzha
- By Air: Fly from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Cochin International Airport (COK). From the airport, you can take a taxi or a KSRTC bus to Ambalapuzha (approx. 100 km / 3 hours).
- By Train: Direct trains like the Kerala Sampark Kranti (12218) or Himsagar Express (16318) run from New Delhi to Alappuzha (ALLP). The temple is about 14 km from Alappuzha station.
Ahmedabad to Ambalapuzha
- By Air: Fly from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) to Cochin International Airport (COK). Proceed via road or local train to Ambalapuzha
- By Train: The Hapa-Tirunelveli SF Express (12998) or Porbandar-Kochuveli Express (20910) stops at Alappuzha (ALLP). The journey takes approximately 32–36 hours.
History of the Temple
The temple was built between the 15th and 17th centuries by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan Thampuran.
The Legend of the Chess Game:
It is said the King was outsmarted in a game of chess by a sage (Lord Krishna in disguise). The sage asked for rice as a prize: one grain on the first square, two on the second, and so on, doubling each time. The total amount exceeded the world’s supply. The Lord then revealed himself and told the King he could pay the debt by serving Palpayasam (milk porridge) to all devotees daily until the debt was cleared.
Main Poojas Performed
The temple is globally famous for its unique offering, the Ambalapuzha Palpayasam.
-
- Palpayasa Nivedyam The primary offering. A sweet milk porridge made with a specific ratio of rice, milk, and sugar, boiled for hours. Legend says Lord Krishna visits daily to taste it.
- Udayasthamana Pooja A full-day pooja from sunrise to sunset involving 18 specific rituals and special feasts (Sadyas).
- ThulabharamA popular ritual where a devotee is weighed against offerings like banana, sugar, or coconut to fulfill a vow.
- Santhana Gopala Archana Performed specifically by couples seeking the blessing of children.
- Ethrithu Pooja An early morning ritual performed just after the temple opens, accompanied by traditional music.
Attire (Dressing Guidelines) for Pooja
The temple strictly follows the traditional Kerala dress code:
Men:
-
- Recommended: Mundu (Dhoti/Veshti).
- Requirement: must remove their shirts and vests before entering the inner sanctum. Chests must remain bare.
Women:
-
- Saree, Set-Mundu, or Long Skirts with blouses.
Restrictions:
-
- Salwar Kameez is generally allowed, but traditional Kerala attire is preferred. Jeans, leggings, and short dresses are strictly restricted.
Official Websites
Government Website:
https://alappuzha.nic.in/
Temple Administration:
https://tdb.gov.in/