Parambikulangara Sree Krishna Swamy Temple

Padakulam, Kodungallur, Dist. Thrissur.

Parambikulangara Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is an ancient and well-known temple located at Padakulam near Kodungallur in Thrissur district. Lord Krishna is the main deity here. The temple is one of the important places of worship for the Hindu community in the area and is known for its traditional rituals and daily worship practices.

Based on local tradition and its architectural style, Parambikulangara Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is historically regarded as an ancient place of worship dating back several centuries. The Padakulam area developed as part of the agricultural and rural culture of Kodungallur (Mahodayapuram), an important centre of ancient Kerala. The temple also served as a place where people from the surrounding settlements came together for social and religious activities. The large pond beside the temple is associated with the traditional water management practices and rural settlement pattern of earlier times. In its early period, the temple was managed by a group of prominent Hindu families, ooralar (traditional temple managers) and local leaders, as was common with traditional temples in Kerala. At present, the temple is not under the direct control of the Travancore or Cochin Devaswom Boards. Its administration and daily activities are managed under the supervision of the local NSS Karayogam or a community committee led by local residents.

According to local tradition, the Sree Krishna idol at Parambikulangara Sree Krishna Swamy Temple was not installed by human hands but appeared on its own at a particular spot in an area that was once covered with forests and fields. An oral tradition also connects the name ‘Parambikulangara’ with the discovery of the idol in a field. Local tradition says that Padakulam was a place where soldiers gathered and rested before leaving for war during the rule of the kings of Kodungallur, which is said to have given the area its name. The presence of Sree Krishna on the bank of Padakulam was also believed to have given the soldiers confidence and protection. In earlier times, local farmers are said to have worshipped the deity as Gopala Krishna for agricultural prosperity and the protection of cattle. Krishna’s Kaliyamardana form was also remembered as a means of seeking protection from poisonous snakes.

The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of temple architecture. The main pond and the greenery around it are notable features of the temple surroundings. A simple Padippura (entrance gate) provides access to the temple grounds. After passing through the main entrance, there is an Aanappanthal used for festivals and other ceremonies, with a stone Deepasthambam (lamp pillar) in front of it. Inside, the Nalambalam surrounds the Sreekovil. The Nalambalam is built using stone and wood and has a tiled roof and devotees use the covered passage for pradakshina (circumambulation). A small square-shaped Namaskara Mandapam is located in front of the Sreekovil and is used as part of the worship rituals and chanting of mantras.

The main Sreekovil is square in shape and has a single tier, making it an Ekathala Sreekovil. Its Adhishtana (base) is made of dressed granite, while the walls are built using laterite stone and lime. The sloping wooden roof is covered with tiles, making it suitable for Kerala’s heavy rainfall. A copper finial is placed above the roof. The Sopana or granite steps leading to the sanctum, has carved Vyaali figures on both sides as handrails. A granite water outlet on the northern side of the Sreekovil allows the water used for the abhishekam to flow out. The main deity is Sree Krishna in the four-armed form of Lord Vishnu. The stone idol has a conch, discus, mace and lotus in its four hands. Although the idol is in this four-armed form, devotees worship the deity Gopala Krishna and Unni Krishna.

The main sub-deity of the temple is Lord Ganesha. His shrine is located inside the Nalambalam, in the south-western corner of the main Sreekovil, known as Kannimoola. The shrine of Lord Dharmasastha (Ayyappan) is located outside the Nalambalam, on the south-eastern side. Bhagavathy or Goddess Durga, is also worshipped inside the temple compound, to the north of the main Sreekovil. Outside the temple compound, in the sacred grove at the north-western corner, are the shrines of the Naga deities, including Nagaraja and Nagayakshi.

The main annual festival of the temple is usually held in the month of Medam (April–May). The festival begins with the Kodiyettam (flag-hoisting ceremony) and ends with the Aarattu (ritual bathing ceremony). Special poojas, Sree Bhoothabali, Pallivetta and Aarattu are held during the festival. Theyyam, traditional melam, Panchavadyam and various cultural programmes are also held as part of the celebrations. Ashtami Rohini, the birthday of Lord Krishna, is also observed with special rituals. Special abhishekams, Thrikkaivenna offering, Prasada Oottu (feast) and an evening procession are held on the day. During the 41-day Mandalam season, from Vrischikam 1 to Dhanu 1, special poojas, Mandala Vilakku and Chuttuvilakku are held for the main deity and Lord Dharmasastha. Vishukkani Darshan and Vishukkaineettam are observed on the first day of Medam. Ramayana Parayanam and special herbal offerings are held throughout the month of Karkidakam. The first Wednesday of Dhanu is observed as Kuchela Day, when Aval Nivedyam, an offering of beaten rice, is made to the deity.

One of the main offerings at the temple is Thrikkaivenna Samarpanam, in which butter is offered to Unnikrishna. Devotees consider this offering beneficial for the intellectual development of children, progress in studies and relief from childhood ailments. Paal Payasam, a sweet milk-based offering, is made to the deity and is believed by devotees to bring prosperity to the family and financial progress. Thulasi Mala or a garland of holy basil and full-body sandalwood paste decoration are offered for mental well-being and relief from illness. Purusha Sooktha Pushpanjali is also performed for the fulfilment of wishes and long life. Among the offerings to the sub-deities, Ottayappam and Karukamala are offered to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles. Neerajanam is performed for Lord Dharmasastha on Saturdays by lighting sesame bundles and is considered an important offering for those seeking relief from the difficulties associated with Sani Dosha. Noorum Paalum, a traditional offering of rice flour and milk, is offered to the Naga deities on Ayilyam days and other special occasions to seek relief from Sarpa Dosha.

The temple is generally open for darshan from 05:00 AM to 10:30 AM and from 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM. The morning rituals begin at 05:00 AM with the opening of the sanctum and Nirmalya Darshan. This is followed by Abhishekam and Malar Nivedyam. Usha Pooja and the offering of nivedyam are performed shortly after the opening of the sanctum. Before the morning session ends, Ucha Pooja is performed with a Paal Payasam offering and the sanctum closes at around 10:30 AM. The temple reopens at 05:00 PM. Deeparadhana is performed around sunset, usually between 06:15 PM and 06:45 PM. In the evening, Athazha Pooja and other rituals are performed before the sanctum closes. Ashtagandham is then burned and the sanctum closes at around 08:00 PM. The timings may vary on special occasions such as Ashtami Rohini, Vishu and the annual festival, when additional poojas and abhishekams are performed.

Key highlight :-

• Located 3 km from Kodungallur and 18 km from Irinjalakkuda.
• 18 km from Irinjalakkuda railway station.
• KSRTC buses are available up to Padakulam. From there, the temple can be reached by local bus or auto-rickshaw.
• Private vehicles can be parked in the temple’s parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available in the nearby towns.