Mavelikara - Krishna Ambalam

Mavelikara, one of the finest among the flourishing towns of Kerala proudly claims the honour of possessing a temple deemed to be the most ancient and sacred of temples dedicated to Sri Krishna. The name Maveli is a corrupt form of Mahabali, the demon king, who ruled over this region and he was a by-word for integrity and truthfulness. It was the golden period which far exceeded Amaravathy, the capital of Devendra with peace pervading and every laudable thing found in surfiet. He was an asura with difference in devotion to Maheswar. He defeated Devendra, the born enemy of the danavas and ruled over the three worlds, and on account of this, he grew egoistic. In order to humble his pride, Mahavishnu incarnating as Vamana met him with a humble request for the grant of land sufficient enough to cover the length of his three feet for doing penance. Unable to comprehend its implication, he agreed. Then Sri Mahavishnu assuming Viswarupa measured the earth and heaven with each of His feet. When asked land for the third, Mahabali showed his head. Thereupon Vamana with all His might thrust him into patala - the nether world. Mahabah then made a supplication to the Lord to permit him visit his kingdom once a year. Vamana granted permission. Since then he is visiting once a year, which is considered as an auspicious occasion, and a festival is celebrated going by the name of ONAM with unprecedented pomp and splendour. This town is named to commemorate the memory of his glorious rule. So important.

The Krishna temple was endowed liberally by the ruling princes and it is beautiful, embodying all the essential parts. It conducts daily prayer services with payasam, appam etc. as offerings. The annual festival Ashtami Rohini is celebrated on a grand scale, when lakhs of devotees participate.

It lies near Aleppy, accessible by bus.

[ Temples Of India ] [ Up ] [ Next ]