Sree Krishna Temple, Ambalapuzha

There are hundreds of temples in Kerala dedicated to lord Krishna but Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple stands tall among all. History says that lord Krishna, once appeared in the form of a sage in the court of a king who ruled the region, challenging him to win the game of chess competing with him. Being the chess enthusiast, the king gladly accepted the invitation. The king asked the sage to let him know the compliments for the winner. The sage, being a modest man, wished for a few grains of rice. The grains were placed in the squares in the chess board. Every square will have double of its predecessor. The king lost the competition, needless to say. As he started adding the grains to the board, the king realized the sage’s demand was not as humble as he thought it would be. At the end, the number had reached one million. The royal granary of the kingdom ran out of rice.

Upon seeing the dilemma from the king, the sage revealed his true form. He also told the king that he did not have to pay the debt immediately but over time. The king had to serve Paal Payasam (sweet milky dish made with rice) freely to the people of the state until the debt was paid off. It is the speciality of this temple that this dish matches nowhere taste. This ancient temple was built in the 16th century and it is still capable of holding that old antique charm. The idol of Krishna here was transported from Changanassery in 1614 AD and the Champakulam Boat Race is conducted every year to commemorate the shifting of the idol. It is also a favourite hangout spot of foreigners. And it deserves all the attention it gets. The inner sanctum is decorated with paintings of lord Krishna and the other incarnations of lord Vishnu. A large open outside is a great place to sit and absorb the atmosphere.