Thirupalkadal Sreekrishna Temple, also known as Thiruparkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple, is one of the oldest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu (worshipped as Krishna) in Keezhperoor, Chirayinkeezhu Taluk, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The central icon of the temple is a four-armed standing Vishnu holding the conch Panchajanya, the discus Sudarshana Chakra, the mace Kaumodaki, and a lotus with a holy basil garland. Krishna, the principal deity (Thirupalkadal Bhattarakar), was the family deity of the Ay dynasty. The temple is believed to have been renovated by Kulashekhara Alvar, the seventh in the line of the twelve Alvars. While not listed among the 108 Divya Desams, it is mentioned in the list of Abhimana Kshethrams and in many texts and legends. The temple’s history is closely linked with the Cheras, Cholas, and the kingdoms of Venad and Travancore.
Legends and History:
Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple is also known as Adikulakovil of the Ay kingdom. It was constructed by the Ay Kingdom (Kupaka), whose capital was Keezhperoor, during the Sangam period. This family later became known as Venad, Thiruvadi, Thiruvithamkur, and eventually Travancore. The temple underwent renovation in the 9th century CE by Venad King Vallabhan Kotha of Keezhperoor Illam. The Keezhperoor Swaroopam was formed by merging the Chera dynasty based at Mahodayapuram with the Ays of Vizhinjam.
In the 12th century CE, Sri Vira Udayamarttandavarman Tiruvadi, Ilayaguru of Venad, handed over the temple administration to the uralar sabha, a council consisting of Brahmins and Madambi Nairs. In 1965, as per a court order, Brahmasree Narayana Narayanaru handed over the temple’s administration to No.3200 Ambikavilasama Nair Service Society Karayogam of Keezhperoor. Following India’s independence, when leasing-subtenants became owners, it adversely affected the temple administration, leading to a cessation of worship. In the 1980s, 3200 Ambikavilasam NSS Karayogam regained ownership and began renovating the temple.
Architecture:
The temple is constructed in the ancient Dravidian style, with the presence of Brahma and Shiva in the outer wall of the circular-shaped garbhagriha, representing Parabrahma. The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is made up of 36 rafters carved into 12 wooden pieces, symbolizing the 12 rashis, multiplied by 3 (the number representing the Trimurti), equaling 108, the number of pithas of Adi Parashakti. The temple complex is enclosed by granite walls and features an Anakkottil of impressive dimensions at the entrance. The principal Belikkallu is situated in front of the main entrance leading to the inner regions.
The Namaskara Mandapam, although detached, has wooden pilasters and stone pillars with carvings. The sanctum sanctorum, or Sreekovil, is circular, copper-tiled, and surrounded by an inner corridor. The balustrades leading to the inner sanctum feature intricate carvings of deities, including a lion’s head with a long rolled tongue, Shiva with Parvati, Ganesha, Murugan, and a reclining Nandi on one side, and Vishnu with Sreedevi and Bhudevi on the other. The inner ceiling of the temple is decorated with wooden houses, and the walls once adorned with mural paintings depicting Krishna Leela.
Festivals:
Thirupalkadal Sreekrishna Temple celebrates various Hindu festivals with grandeur. The annual festival is the most significant event at the temple, drawing numerous devotees from near and far. This festival features various cultural and religious activities, including special poojas, processions, and feasts. The temple also observes other important Hindu festivals such as Krishna Janmashtami, Vishu, Navarathri, and Deepavali, maintaining its status as a vital religious and cultural hub in the region.
Temple Timings:
The temple is open to visitors from 4:30 AM to 11 AM in the morning and from 5 PM to 8 PM in the evening.
How to Reach:
To reach Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, you can consider various transportation options:
By Air:
The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), located approximately 65 kilometers from the temple. Taxis and pre-paid cabs are readily available at the airport to take you to the temple.
By Train:
The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (TVC). From there, you can hire taxis or utilize local buses to reach the temple.
By Road:
– The temple is well-connected by road. You can use local buses, taxis, or rental cars to reach the temple.
– If you are coming from the city center, you can take MG Road or NH 66 to access the temple.
By Bus:
– Thiruvananthapuram has an extensive network of public buses run by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private operators. You can check the local bus schedules and routes to find one that takes you to the temple.
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