Thiruvampady Srikrishna Temple
Thiruvampady is within the town limit of Alappuzha. The deity is Vishnu in the form of Srikrishna. This centuries old temple has a leading position in South Kerala.
The legend of the temple is fascinating. A Brahmin aimlessly came from far away place to Thiruvampady and took shelter under a banyan tree. While sitting he watched the children playing nearby and noticed one of them is hallow. While other boys returned home the divine boy disappeared. Realising the disappeared boy is Lord Vishnu the Brahmin started praying. Vishnu responded to his pray and appeared before him when he (Brahmin) prostrated before the feet of Vishnu and begged for his eternal presence. The Brahmin could not hold to himself what he experienced and utlimately divulged the matter to the people around who promptly erected a temple at the spot where the divine boy disappeared.
The idol is with four hands (grown up form) while in the eyes of devotees the idol is also in the form of a child.
The month of Karkidakam (July/August) is an auspicious month for temples all over Kerala. The new moon day of Karkidakom called Karkidaka Vavu in Malayalam has more importance in the t emple. Ashtami Rohini (birth day of Krishna), Vishu (Malayalam New Year), Thiruonam (first day of Onam) are celebrated with entertaining programmes and rituals.
There is days-long annual festival which ends with aarattu (divine dip) on Thiruonam day of the Vrichikam (October/November).
Balidharpanam (sacrificial ritual) is conducted. Akandanamajapam (Vedically uttering of Lord’s name) is conducted first Sunday of every Malayalam month. Akandanamajapam helps absolve all sins, it is believed.
