One of the most beautiful towns in the state of Kerala, Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is nicknamed the “Venice of the East” for its huge network of backwaters and canals. The temples in Alleppey have a rich history, architectural brilliance, and devotional faith thronging through their walls. The peaceful Alleppey is not only admired for its natural beauty but is also implanted with a rich cultural and religious past represented by its many temples. This blog will delve into the various temples in Alleppey and their significance.
Temples In Alleppey
The following is a list of some of the popular temples in Alleppey, their historical background, architectural marvels, and devotional specialities.
1. Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
Photo: Challiyan / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most famous temples in Alleppey is the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, also known as the Dwaraka of the South. The primary idol of the temple is that of Parthasarathy, in the youthful form of a boy, as described in the Mahabharata in his character as charioteer to Arjuna. Ambalappuzha Temple is famous for its yummy Palpayasam, a kind of sweetened milk porridge offered every day for ages, which derives its peculiar taste from the fact that it is said to be empowered by the blessings of Lord Krishna.
Distance From Alleppey: 14 Km
Timings: 3:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Address: Ambalappuzha, Alappuzha, Kerala
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2. Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple
Photo: Bhavana Dubey / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Situated in the centre of Alleppey town, Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple enshrines Goddess Rajarajeswari, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. This ancient temple is the epitome of traditional Kerala temple architecture, and it is older than 500 years. Other than this, there is a Lord Hanuman shrine, a Lord Ayyappa shrine, and serpent gods in this temple complex. Mullakkal Chirappu festival (November-December) is the main festival, which attracts thousands of devotees.
Timings: 4:30 AM – 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Address: Mullakkal Temple Road, Alappuzha, Kerala
3. Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple
Photo: RajeshUnuppally / Wikimedia Commons
One of the oldest and most important temples of Lord Subrahmanya, Murugan, in Kerala, is the Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple. According to the temple legend, it was established by Lord Parasurama, the avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple complex has an ornately decorated tower at the entrance and a spacious courtyard. The Chithira Thiruvulsavam Festival celebrated in April-May, lasts for eleven days and has many rituals performed every day by the temple priests.
Distance From Alleppey: 32 Km
Timings: 4:30 AM – 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Address: Haripad, Alappuzha, Kerala
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4. Thiruvizha Mahadeva Temple
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T /Wikimedia Commons
This temple is located in the calm village of Thiruvizha and is dedicated to Lord Shiva: the Thiruvizha Mahadeva Temple. The history of this temple runs back several hundred years and is deeply interwoven with local legends and folk stories. The occasion has some classical music, dance forms and a brilliant procession.
Distance From Alleppey: 7 Km
Timings: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Address: Thiruvizha, Alappuzha, Kerala
5. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple
Photo: Vijayanrajapuram / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Situated close to Haripad is the village of Mannarasala, which houses a unique temple dedicated to the serpent gods. Enshrined in this sacred place is a history running back thousands of years. The legend has it that Parasurama founded the temple, and this holy precinct of snake worship is one of the powerful centres for serpent worship. The temple complex is set amidst a dense forest, providing a mystic and serene atmosphere.
Distance From Alleppey: 32 Km
Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Address: Mannarasala, Haripad, Alappuzha, Kerala
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6. Chettikulangara Devi Temple
Photo: Hellblazzer / Wikimedia Commons
The Chettikulangara Devi Temple is located at Chettikulangara, which is one of the oldest temples in Alleppey. It is most famous for its peculiar rites and festivals. The presiding deity Bhagavathy assumes the forms of Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Durga. The temple architecture is of traditional Kerala, with a spacious courtyard, carved entrance tower and a chuttambalam. The annual Kumbha Bharani, usually in February-March, is the prime attraction of the temple.
Distance From Alleppey: 45 Km
Timings: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Address: Chettikulangara, Mavelikkara, Alappuzha, Kerala
7. Thiruvizha Sree Mahadeva Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Thiruvizha Sree Mahadeva Temple is situated in the village of Thiruvizha and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple is a place for traditional rituals and ‘Arattu Utsavam,’ which attract devotees to this village for spiritual and cultural purposes. This is an example of the traditional architectural style of Malabar, with its ornate wood carvings and sculptures symbolising mythological themes in their narrative forms.
Distance From Alleppey: About 18 km
Timings: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Address: Thiruvizha, Alappuzha, Kerala
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8. Kalarcode Mahadeva Temple
Photo: RajeshUnuppally / Wikimedia Commons
Kalarcode Mahadeva Temple is famous for its tranquil shape and architectural grandeur. It attracts devotees of the Lord from all around the country. Its sanctum sanctorum houses a sacred lingam of Mahadeva, with the typical Kerala architecture and surroundings that beget a serene environment conducive to meditation and spiritual thoughts.
Distance From Alleppey: About 4 km
Timings: 4:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Address: Kalarcode, Alappuzha, Kerala
9. Chennamkary Sree Bhagavathy Temple
Photo: Vijayanrajapuram / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chennamkary Sree Bhagavathy Temple is renowned for the ‘Thrikkarthika’ festival, which is celebrated with great pomp and religious zeal. The natural serenity and cultural importance of this divine temple attract both devotees and tourists. Intricate wood carvings and traditional design patterns of Kerala form an integral part of this temple architecture.
Distance From Alleppey: About 12 km
Timings: 4:30 AM – 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Address: Chennamkary, Alappuzha, Kerala
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10. Thottappally Sree Dhanwanthari Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Thottappally, Sree Dhanwanthari Temple is housing Lord Dhanwanthari, the Lord associated with Ayurveda and healing. This temple maintains a serene atmosphere and one of the most popular festivities here is the ‘Prathishta Dinam’. Hence, celebrating the blessing and healing power of this deity. Devotees visit here to seek blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity and enjoy the spiritual ambience.
Distance From Alleppey: About 18 km
Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Address: Thottappally, Alappuzha, Kerala
Temples in Alleppey are living testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage that has been passed down through generations in Kerala. From the ancient glory of Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple to the mystic ambience of Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja, each of these temples offers a different feel about the history and devotion of this region. Book a trip with Trip XL, a one-stop platform serving holiday package business just the right way.
Cover Photo: Ajeshunnithan / Wikimedia Commons