' Ambalapuzha ' Sri Krishna !!!

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Hare Krishna ! Dandavat Pranam to Bhagavan Sri Krishna and all Vaishnavas ,

` Ambalapuzha' temple is one of the most important Vedic temples in Kerala . This place has been blessed with the divine presence of Sri Krishna , since Dwapara-Yuga .

Construction of Ambalapuzha Temple.

Once King Pooradam Thirunal , the Brahmin ruler of `Chempakassery' (which was a small principality now known as Ambalapuzha) was traveling in a country boat accompanied by Sage Vilwamangalam Swami (Bilwamagalam Takura) . They suddenly heard the melodious strains of the flute . The music emanated from the southeast corner of the present temple at Ambalapuzha, where a `Peepal tree' stands . Sage Vilwamangalam at once recognized that the music was that of Bhagavan Sri Krishna . Therefore he and the King got down, circumambulated the tree and prostrated themselves before it . Now the King was inspired to build a temple and install a Gopala or Cowherd Krishna at the spot . Accordingly, a beautiful temple was built and a beautiful `Murty' of Srï Krishna in black granite stone was carved out for installation . While elaborate arrangements were being made for the consecration, it was found to the dismay and disillusionment of everyone that the `Murty' had been damaged on the left side and was therefore unfit for installation .

The learned Tantrikacharya Puthumana Valiya Nampoothiripad who was to lead the rituals pronounced this . The King Pooradam Thirunal , the various dignitaries and the vast multitude that had assembled for the function were stunned and felt utterly disappointed at this . Someone even challenged the Thanthri to prove his point . It did not take along for the Thanthri to do so, well versed as he was in manthra, thanthra and Sastras . All he did was to tap with a piece of iron, at the damaged spot and out jumped a frog and some dirt liquid !

The King felt most unhappy at the turn of events . It was again Vilwamangalam Swami who came to rescue and advised him to get the `Murty' of Partthasarathi from , the neighbouring place belonging to `Thekkumkoor Maharaja' . But it was not an easy job because the `Thekkumkoor Maharaja' was not on friendly terms with the `Chempakassery' King . If the `Murty' was taken by force, a fierce war might follow between the two Kingdoms and who could forecast that the Kingdom of `Chempakassery' would come out successful in the war ! . And if the `Murty' was stolen that would be unbecoming of a King and in any case it would be unfit for consecration being tainted by the sin of theft . The soldiers of Thekkumkoor woke up from their slumber but they did nothing to stop the `Chempakassery' intruders and prevent the loss of merely a ` granite stone image ' . Next morning the `Chempakassery' minister and party arrived at Champakulam mattom where the King Pooradam Thirunal personally went to receive the `Murty' , which was ceremoniously taken to the temple. ( It is to commemorate this that the Champakulam boat race is held every year) .

The Murty was duly installed in the temple at a propitious time in 1613 AD .

Surrender to the Deity .

King Pooradam Thirunal after consecrating the temple surrendered his State to Sri Krishna and ruled the country as Bhagavan's vice-regent assuming the name of Deva Narayanan . There is a true incident behind this.

Once the king expressed his keen desire to Vilwamangalam Swami to see Bhagavan Srï Krishna in flesh and blood. Vilwamagalam agreed but asked the King : "What would you offer to Bhagavan ?

To this the king replied " I will offer my whole Kingdom to Bhagavan " .

On the next day a special Puja was performed in the temple, with Vilwamangalam officiating as Priest . Just at the conclusion, the King saw Bhagavan's divine hand extended to bless him. At once, he gave away his kingdom to Sri Krishna and ruled the country as Bhagavan's vice -regent, assuming the sublime name of Deva Narayanan. Besides, he proclaimed that his successors too would follow suit .

During the invasion of Tippu Sultan in 1790 , the priests of Guruvayoor temple brought Guruvayoor Bhagavan's image for safe custody and concealed it in a room . It remained safe, and to mark this, the spot is called ` Guruvayoorambalam' . Devotees pray to this place too .

The famous `Palpayasam' .

The Ambalapuzha shrine is famous for its `Palpayasm' ( milk porridge of exceptional sweetness) . It, it is one of the wonders of Kerala . This is the most important offering at the temple at the `noon Puja ` . There is a legend behind the introduction of `Palpayasm' as an offering .

The King of Chempakasseri was an icon in the game of `Chaturangam' (chess) . No one could defeat him in this game . He was very proud of his skills . Many experts from distant places came to contest with the King , but none succeeded . Once, an unknown Brahmana came to the palace to compete with the King . A huge quantity of Paddy was agreed to as the `Bet' . Afterwards, the contest started . Surprisingly , that Brahmana easily defeated the King in all the games . The crestfallen King was in a fix . There was insufficient stock of paddy in the palace to pay the bet . He stood perplexed and helpless . The victorious Brahmana smiled and slipped away from the scene without being noticed by any one . That night , the King had a dream in which that Brahmana revealed his real identity . He was Bhagavan Sri Krishna ! . Bhagavan instructed the King to use the interest of that ` Bet ' to offer Him `Palpayam' every day and distribute it as `prasadam' to His devotees .

When the Ambalapuzha temple was opened next morning , the King wrote a will donating the entire Paddy of that `Bet' to the Deity. He also stated that daily `Palpayasam' should be prepared and after offering it to the Deity at midday Puja the same should be distributed to the devotees . This is the famous ` Ambalapuzha Palpayasam' , the taste of which is indeed unique. Its colour is golden, not white and has a special flavour . Whatever quantity of milk available for sale in `Ambalapuzha' used to be purchased and the entire `Payasam' was distributed free .

Nataka Sala Feast

The ten-day annual festival of Ambalapuzha temple commences with the flag-hoisting ceremony in March-April . The `Arattu' (ritual bathing) festival is on the tenth day . But, much importance is attached to the ninth-day festival . On this day, the famous `Nataka Sala' (dance hall) feast is held in honour of the traditional Artists who play the percussion instruments .

There is a true event behind the `Nataka Sala Feast' . Once on the ninth festival day, Vilwamangalam Swami came to worship at the temple. He could not see Bhagavan in the sanctum sanctorum . The Swami came out and saw Bhagavan Krishna serving the Artists . When Vilwamangalam expressed his surprise Bhagavan told him :

" These are the Artists who with their superb performances contribute to the success of My festival .Their contribution in accelerating the glory of this temple is beyond words . Therefore I am pleased to serve them ."

None can measure the depth or the ocean of Krishna's mercy to His devotees. Nor could any instrument record it at any time. How fortunate are those Artists and what else they require more than this !!!.

Bhagavan Sri Krishna played many pastimes and demonstrated infinite powers in several ways, and this is one perhaps reminding instant prostration. Offering it alone fetches bliss. Do it anon ! And get beatitude !!

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya!!!

SriKrishnaDasa Rajeev.