Ambalapuzha Palpayasam is the famous sweet milk pudding offered to Lord Krishna at the Sree Krishna Swamy Temple in Ambalapuzha, Alappuzha district, Kerala, India. This temple is one of the great Vaishnava shrines of Kerala, known for its traditional Kerala architecture and long history dating back to the 15th century.
The sweet dish known as Palpayasam is made from milk, rice, sugar, and cardamom. It is first offered to the deity as naivedyam (holy offering) and then distributed as prasadam (blessed food) to devotees. The process of making and serving this prasadam has deep spiritual meaning for temple visitors and is an essential part of the temple tradition.
Devotees from all over India and abroad visit Ambalapuzha Temple not only for darshan but also to taste this sacred prasadam. The experience of receiving Palpayasam from the temple counter is considered a blessing and spiritual reward for many pilgrims.
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Ambalapuzha Palpayasam Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Ambalapuzha |
| Location | Ambalapuzha, Alappuzha District, Kerala, India |
| Main Deity | Lord Krishna (Parthasarthi) |
| Palpayasam Type | Sweet milk pudding (prasadam) |
| Palpayasam Booking | Offline only (at temple) |
| Booking Time | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (counter) |
| Distribution | Starts around 12:00 PM daily |
| Prasadam Cost (2026) | ₹80 (500 ml), ₹160 (1 litre) |
| Temple Style | Traditional Kerala architecture |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or before Palpayasam distribution |
This table gives a quick snapshot of the most important details you need for planning your visit.
History of Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple
The Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple in Kerala. It was built during the 15th century CE by ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, worshipped here in the form of Parthasarthi – the charioteer of Arjuna from the Mahabharata.
This temple is considered one of the seven great Vaishnava temples in Kerala and holds strong cultural and spiritual value. Its design follows traditional Kerala architectural style, with sloping tiled roofs and beautifully decorated walls. The idol of Krishna, along with accompanying deities, draws many pilgrims seeking blessings.
According to temple legend, the famous Palpayasam prasadam became part of the temple’s tradition when Lord Krishna appeared to a king disguised as a sage and challenged him in a game, leading to the ever-lasting offering of sweet milk pudding to devotees.
The temple’s annual festivals, sacred rituals, and Prasadam traditions have made this place an important pilgrimage destination in South India.
Location and How to Reach the Temple
The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is located in Ambalapuzha town in Alappuzha district, Kerala. The temple address is State Highway 12, Ambalapuzha, Kerala – 688561.
By Road: The temple is well connected through roads. Buses, taxis, and private vehicles can reach Ambalapuzha easily from major cities like Alappuzha, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Ambalapuzha Railway Station, which is just a short walk or auto-rickshaw ride away from the temple.
By Air: The closest airport is Cochin International Airport (approximately 90 km) from Ambalapuzha. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple.
This easy access by road, rail, and air makes Ambalapuzha Temple a good choice for devotees and travellers planning a spiritual visit.
Temple Darshan Timings
To plan a visit in 2026, you should know the general darshan timings for the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple. As with many Kerala temples, the temple generally opens early in the morning and remains accessible to devotees in two sessions: morning and evening.
Typical darshan hours may be:
- Morning: 3:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Evening: 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM
These timings can vary slightly on festival days or special occasions. During festivals, the temple might open earlier or stay open later to accommodate devotees. Visiting early in the morning gives you a more peaceful darshan experience with fewer crowds.
What is Palpayasam and Why It Is Famous
Palpayasam is a traditional sweet milk pudding made from rice, milk, and sugar. At Ambalapuzha Temple, it is offered as prasadam to Lord Krishna after the main naivedyam ritual.
This dish is special because it follows a traditional recipe passed down through generations and is believed to be the daily blessed offering for the deity. Devotees say that Lord Guruvayoorappan accepts this offering each day.
Ambalapuzha’s Palpayasam has gained fame for its taste and sacred significance. Many people visit the temple not just for darshan but also to receive or taste this prasadam, which is considered a blessing and a spiritual experience.
Palpayasam Booking and Collection
When it comes to online booking of Palpayasam, there is an important update for 2026:
- Online booking is currently not available. As of now, devotees must collect Palpayasam in person at the temple counter by joining the queue.
- The booking for Palpayasam opens offline at the temple counter, usually between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM.
This prasadam is given on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of its popularity, many devotees arrive early to make sure they get their portion.
In recent discussions, temple authorities have considered starting a mobile app or online booking for prasadam to manage demand, but such a system was not confirmed as of early 2026.
Palpayasam Timings & Distribution
Palpayasam distribution happens every day after the naivedyam (offering) is completed and is typically ready around noon.
Here’s a simple view of the schedule:
- Booking at Temple Counter: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Distribution Begins: Around 12:00 PM daily
Devotees wait in a line to collect prasadam. The temple issues Palpayasam in containers of 500 ml and 1 litre sizes, with prices generally around ₹80 and ₹160 respectively.
Because there are always many people waiting for the prasadam, arriving early is advised if you want to receive it without long waiting
Palpayasam Price and Portions
The Ambalapuzha Palpayasam prasadam is served in standard portion sizes with a set cost. These prices may change slightly over time, but the general guideline is:
| Portion | Approximate Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| 500 ml container | ₹80 |
| 1 litre container | ₹160 |
Devotees often purchase this prasadam to take home and share with family and friends as a blessing.
Because this offering is popular and limited each day, pre-arrival preparation and early queueing help secure your portion.
Temple Festivals and Special Days
While the Palpayasam prasadam is offered daily, the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple also hosts several festival events that bring extra spiritual energy and large crowds.
One of the most notable events connected with the temple’s heritage is the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, which takes place on the Pamba River and is tied to the temple’s history.
Other religious celebrations include the temple’s annual festival, which honours the installation of the idol and traditional rites. These festivals include processions, special worship services, and extra darshan opportunities.
During these days, darshan timings and prasadam distribution may follow a special schedule, and crowds are usually higher than normal. Planning ahead is advised if you choose to visit during a festival.
Visiting Tips and Temple Etiquette
When you visit the temple for darshan or prasadam:
- Arrive early if you want to get Palpayasam without waiting too long.
- Dress modestly and respectfully according to temple etiquette.
- Follow queue lines and temple rules during prasadam collection times.
- Respect the sacred space and maintain calm behavior around the sanctum.
During festival days or weekends, it’s especially important to arrive well before noon to be sure you get prasadam and darshan comfortably.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Can I book Ambalapuzha Palpayasam online?
As of 2026, online booking is not officially available. Devotees must collect Palpayasam in person by queuing at the temple counter.
Q2. What time is Palpayasam distributed?
Palpayasam distribution usually begins around 12:00 PM (noon) after the morning rituals and naivedyam.
Q3. How much does the prasadam cost?
Typical prices are around ₹80 for 500 ml and ₹160 for 1 litre, though rates can vary slightly.
Q4. Where is Ambalapuzha Temple located?
The temple is in Ambalapuzha town in Alappuzha district, Kerala, on State Highway 12, Ambalapuzha – 688561.
Q5. What are normal temple darshan hours?
Regular temple open hours are approximately 3:00 AM–11:00 AM and 4:30 PM–8:00 PM, but they may vary.