Sringapuram Sree Krishna Swamy Temple

Sringapuram, Kodungallur, Dist. Thrissur.

Sringapuram Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, located in Kodungallur in Thrissur district, is also known as Sree Rajagopala Krishna Swamy Devaswom. It is one of the ancient and important temples of the Gauda Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community in Kerala. The main deity is Sree Rajagopala Krishna Swamy, depicted in a four-armed form. Associated with the cultural heritage of Kodungallur, the temple is set in scenic and quiet surroundings. It is visited by many devotees and holds an important place in the worship traditions of the GSB community.

Following the Portuguese occupation of Goa in the 16th century, many Gauda Saraswat Brahmin families migrated to the coastal areas of Kerala, particularly to Kochi and Kodungallur. The Perumbilli Kamath family was a wealthy GSB family that settled in Kodungallur. The Sree Rajagopala Krishna Swamy Temple was first built in 1849 AD (Kollavarsham 1024) as a private place of worship owned by this family. Twenty-four years later, in 1873 AD (Kollavarsham 1048), the Perumbilli Kamath family officially transferred the ownership and administration of the temple to the local Gauda Saraswat Brahmin community in Kodungallur. The temple then became a public place of worship for the community.

Although the community took over the administration of the temple, the committee initially faced difficulties in managing it due to the low income from the temple. After 13 years, when the committee stated that it was unable to continue the administration, Sree Janardhana Bhat, the brother of the then chief priest, took responsibility for the temple. He used his own money to ensure that the daily affairs of the temple continued without interruption for eight years. Under his supervision, a Panchaloha (five-metal) festival idol was consecrated in 1889 AD (Kollavarsham 1064). As the financial position of the temple improved, the GSB community committee resumed the administration in 1894 AD (Kollavarsham 1069) and developed the temple with donations from devotees. At present, a committee democratically elected from the Gauda Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) Mahajana community of Kodungallur manages the temple’s daily affairs, festivals and other development activities.

The temple is located close to the main road in Kodungallur. A large entrance gate can be seen from the road, featuring decorative elements and inscriptions in the traditional style of GSB temples. Large temple walls stand on both sides of the gate. On entering through the main gate, there is a spacious temple courtyard with a stone-paved pathway for pradakshinam around the temple. A large elephant shed is located near the entrance and is used to keep elephants and conduct various ceremonies during festivals. A large flagstaff stands directly in front of the entrance, with a large tiled-roof Nalambalam (Chuttambalam) built in the traditional Kerala architectural style behind it. The temple complex also has special halls and dining halls used for GSB community gatherings, bhajans, Prasada Oottu and large feasts during festivals.

The Sreekovil is built in the traditional Kerala architectural style and is square in shape. It has a foundation and walls built of granite, with a traditional tiled roof topped by a copper finial. The front doors and wooden carvings feature decorative elements commonly seen in Gauda Saraswat Brahmin temples. Copper-covered doors and lamp stands are also found around the Sreekovil. The stone steps, known as Sopaanam, leading into the Sreekovil have simple carvings. The main deity, Sree Rajagopala Krishna Swamy, is represented in a four-armed form, carved from black Krishna stone. The deity holds a conch, discus, mace and lotus. In keeping with the Rajagopala form, Rukmini and Satyabhama are traditionally associated with the deity on either side. A Panchaloha (five-metal) festival idol, used for daily rituals and festival processions, is also installed inside the Sreekovil near the main idol.

Sree Vighneswara (Maha Ganapathy) is installed inside the Nalambalam, to the south-west of the main Sreekovil. Ganapathy is one of the main sub-deities of the temple. A separate sub-shrine for Sree Hanuman Swamy is located outside the Nalambalam, in the north-western part of the temple. Hanuman Swamy holds an important place in Gauda Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) temples, giving this shrine special significance. Outside the temple walls, there is also a Nagathara and Nagakavu where Nagaraja and Nagayakshi are worshipped.

The annual festival of the temple is usually held during Kumbham–Meenam, from February to March. The festival includes the flag-hoisting ceremony, special abhishekams and processions. It is one of the major occasions when GSB families from Kodungallur and nearby areas come together. Ladoo Seva is also offered in large numbers during the festival. Ashtami Rohini, the birthday of Lord Krishna, is celebrated with special poojas, bhajans, processions and a large feast. On Vinayaka Chathurthi in the month of Chingam, special Vinayaka poojas and Appam nivedyam are offered to Maha Ganapathy. On Hanuman Jayanthi and every Saturday, offerings such as Vada Mala, Vennakkappu and Pavamanabhishekam are performed at the shrine of Hanuman Swamy. Nagabhishekam, pooja and Sarpabali are performed for Nagaraja and Nagayakshi every month on the Ayilyam nakshatra. Vishu, including Vishukkani Darshanam and Navaratri are also observed at the temple.

The main offerings at this temple include Ladoo Seva, Sahasranama Archana, butter offering and Palpayasam. In Ladoo Seva, ladoos are offered to the deity and devotees believe that it is beneficial for the prosperity of children and the fulfilment of wishes. This offering is made in large numbers during the festival season. Sahasranama Archana involves chanting the thousand names of the deity and offering tulsi leaves and flowers. Devotees offer butter for blessings related to having children and their well-being. Palpayasam is an important offering made during the daily noon pooja. Vada Mala and Vennakkappu are the main offerings to Hanuman Swamy, while Appam Nivedyam and Karukamala are offered to Maha Ganapathy. Noorum Paalum and Ayilyam Pooja are performed for Nagaraja and Nagayakshi every month on the Ayilyam nakshatra and devotees make these offerings as a remedy for Sarpa Dosha.

The general darshan timings at the temple are usually from 5:30 AM to 10:45 AM in the morning and from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening. The darshan timings may change on special days and during festivals depending on the number of devotees. The temple follows pooja rituals according to the traditions of the Gauda Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community. The daily pooja begins with the opening of the temple and Nirmalya Darshan in the morning. This is followed by Ushapooja, with morning offerings made to the deity. Before the temple closes at noon, Uchapooja is performed with Palpayasam and other offerings. In the evening, Deeparadhana and Mangalarathi are performed after the temple reopens. The day’s pooja rituals conclude with Athazha Pooja and offerings before the temple closes at night.

Key highlight :-

• Located 11 km from North Paravur, 18 km from Irinjalakkuda and 28 km from Chalakudy.
• 20 km from Irinjalakkuda railway station.
• 30 km from Cochin International Airport.
• KSRTC and local bus facilities are available to the temple.
• Private vehicles can be parked near the temple.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available in the nearby towns.
• Contact number +91 4802807435, +91 9496123189.