Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple, Keezhperoor

Keezhperoor, Kerala

Nestled in the sacred surroundings of Keezhperoor, Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple stands as a prominent pilgrimage site that draws worshippers from near and far. This temple is celebrated for its spiritual energy, captivating architecture, and the unwavering faith it inspires in all who visit. Generations of devotees have made their journey here, seeking divine grace and spiritual fulfilment. The temple grounds often come alive during festivals, with vibrant decorations, traditional music, and devotional activities that reflect the region’s rich culture. Even on quiet days, the gentle sounds of temple bells and the sight of flickering lamps create a deeply calming environment. For many, a visit to Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple is not just a religious journey but also a soulful retreat that renews the heart and mind. This cherished shrine stands alongside many Popular temples in Kerala, celebrated for their devotion and heritage.

Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple History and Significance

Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy temple is known as Adikulakovil of Ay kingdom. The temple was constructed by the Ay Kingdom, who were ruling the place with their capital at Keezhperoor, during the only recorded Sangam period. This family was later known as Venad, and then 'Thiruvadi', and finally 'Thiruvithamkur' which was finally corrupted into Travancore. According to Dr. M.G Sasibhooshan, a historian, the temple was constructed about 2000 years ago with a square shaped Sreekovil by Ay Dynasty's Keezhperoor Swaroopam. The temple was renovated in 9th century CE by the Venad King Vallabhan Kotha of Keezhperoor Illam. The Keezhperoor Swaroopam was formed by the merger of the Chera dynasty based at Mahodayapuram with the Ays of Vizhinjam.

Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple Pooja Timing
Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple Interesting Facts
Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple Nearby Temples
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Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple Pooja Timing

Pooja Name	Timings
Nirmalya Darshanam	4:30 AM
Usha Pooja	7:00 AM
Deeparadhana	6:30 PM
Athazha Pooja	8:00 PM

Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple Location Details

How to Reach Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple

By Road:

Thrissur is well-connected by road to major towns in Kerala. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly.

By Train:

Nearest railway stations: Thrissur Railway Station and Guruvayur Railway Station. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to reach the temple.

By Air:

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Thrissur via connecting cities.

Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple Nearby Temples

Best time to visit (season/months):

The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall.

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Legends Beliefs

The principal deity, Krishna (Thirupalkadal Bhattarakar) was the family deity of Ay Family, who ruled over the place during the Sangam period. The kingdom and the family later came to be known as Venad Keezhperoor Swaroopam. It is believed that Kulashekhara Alvar, considered the seventh in the line of the twelve Alvars, renovated this temple. While it is not mentioned in the 108 Divya Desams, it does find mentioned in the list of Abhimana Kshetrams, as well as in many texts and legends. The legends of this temple are closely intertwined with that of the empires and kingdoms that ruled region called Tamilakam and especially the state presently known as Kerala. The history of this temple is closely intertwined with the Chera and Chola Empires and the Kingdoms of Venad and Travancore.
Deities and Sub Deities

The central icon is a four-armed standing Vishnu carrying the conch Panchajanya, the discus Sudarshana Chakra, the mace Kaumodaki and a lotus with a holy basil garland. The temple also has the presence of Brahma and Shiva in the outer wall of circular shaped garbhagriha, which represents the presence of Parabrahma.
Offerings

The village of Kilimanoor with the forests, arable lands and compound sites included in it was granted by the King for the expenses connected with feeding of Brahmans and conducting local temple festivals. 3 para of paddy required for the daily expenses of the temple. 31 nali rice was given to temple servants as salary.
Architecture

The temple is constructed in the ancient Dravidian style, with the presence of Brahma and Shiva in the outer wall of circular shaped garbhagriha, which represents the presence of Parabrahma. The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is formed by 36 rafters carved in 12 wooden pieces (of 30 degrees each), representing the 12 rashis which when multiplied by 3 (the number representing the Trimurti) equals 108, which is the number of pithas of Adi Parashakti. It is also believed that the Kollam Era started with the renovation of this temple.
Festivals

The temple celebrates Janmashtami, Medam Utsavam, and Ekadasi with great fervour. These festivals attract devotees from various parts of the state and beyond, who come to participate in the rituals and seek blessings from the deity.
Religious Practices

The temple had 1 melsanthi, 2 kizhsanthis, and 12 servants including flower supplier, watchman, woman servant, and drummers. Total amount of 5 Achchu was collected from Melsanthi, Kizhsnthi, Variyan, Pallittayam as entrance fees and this amount was to be utilised for the purchase of or repairs to the temple utensils and other wastages without allowing koyimars and uralars who superintended the temple affairs to utilise any portion of it for their own use. This expenditure had to be looked after by batches of two persons for each year. If the above expenses were not properly administered, the incumbents of the year will have to vacate their posts in the Uralma and that they should also settle any slight disputes or entanglements that they may occur with reference to the temple holdings or to the temple itself.

FAQ's

Where is the Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple located?

The Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple is located in Keezhperoor, Kerala, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Thiruvananthapuram district.

Which God is Krishna (as a four-armed Vishnu)?

Krishna (as a four-armed Vishnu) is a major Hindu deity.

What is the best time to visit Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple?

The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall.

How to reach Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple from near City or Town?

Nearest railway stations: Thrissur Railway Station and Guruvayur Railway Station. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to reach the temple. Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Thrissur via connecting cities.