Thiruvambadi Temple Timings: Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple is one of the two major participants in the renowned Thrissur Pooram festival (the other being the Paramekkavu Temple). It is among Kerala’s most famous Krishna temples. You will often experience a heightened sense of spirituality, thanks to the continuous chanting of the Bhagavad Gita within the temple premises.
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History
According to local legend, during the 16th century, a local administrator known as ‘Moose’ faced a tense situation when a girl from his family fell in love with a man of a different faith. This led to conflicts and unrest within the village, sparking fears of communal violence. To protect the temple from destruction, some villagers removed the idol of Lord Krishna from the sanctum sanctorum and fled to Thrissur.
They sought refuge at the Kandanathu Mana household, where a childless couple resided. Upon seeing the idol of Lord Krishna, the couple felt a deep emotional connection, adopting the deity as their child. The couple, devotees of Goddess Kodungallur Bhagavathi, consecrated the idol of Krishna in a hall within their residence.
A key moment in the temple’s history came when the Namboodiri of the household, after a visit to the Kodungallur temple, unknowingly brought the spirit of the goddess back with him on an ‘Olakkuda’ (a traditional palm leaf umbrella). Upon realizing this, he enshrined the goddess in the nadumuttam (central courtyard). Astrologers advised the Namboodiri to formally consecrate Goddess Bhagavathi to the left of Lord Krishna’s sanctum. Since the couple had no children, they eventually entrusted the temple’s care and ownership to the local community, ensuring that all temple affairs were managed by the people.
Deities and Worship
The main deity of the temple is Unnikrishna, representing Lord Krishna in his infant form. Alongside him, Goddess Bhagavathi has her own shrine, located just to the left of Krishna’s shrine. Both deities are worshipped with equal reverence, and despite the temple’s relatively small size, its rituals and worship practices match the brilliance of larger temples in the region.
Temple Timings
Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple operates from 6 AM to 11 AM and from 5 PM to 8:30 PM. The temple plays a important role in the annual Thrissur Pooram festival, held in April or May, attracting thousands of devotees and visitors from around the world.
Festivals and Rituals
Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple’s involvement in the Thrissur Pooram is a highlight of its yearly activities. The festival is a grand celebration that brings together both the Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu temples in a dynamic display of tradition, featuring processions, fireworks, and other cultural events. The temple’s unique history and deeply rooted traditions make it a focal point for spiritual and cultural gatherings during this festival.