The temple is believed to have been consecrated by Lord Krishna himself during the burning of the Khandava forest.
It is one of the few temples in Kerala where the deity is worshipped in a form representing the Lord immediately after the Khandava-daha.
The temple follows the specific Tantric rites of the Puzhakkara Chenanalloor Mana lineage.
Unlike many traditional Kerala temples that face east, the sanctum layout and orientation are specific to the unique legend of its origin.
The current structure is a result of a massive reconstruction effort that aimed to restore the temple to its original Vedic specifications.
Evoor Sreekrishnaswami Temple is an ancient Vaishnavite shrine in the Alappuzha district, historically linked to the Khandava-daha myth of the Mahabharata. It serves as the primary family temple for the royal family of Kayamkulam. The presiding deity is Lord Krishna in his youth, depicted as a child with a butter ball in his hand. The temple underwent a major renovation and sanctum reconstruction completed in the late 20th century. It features traditional Kerala temple architecture with a prominent copper-plated roof. The annual festival, Evoor utsavam, is a significant cultural event that spans ten days. The temple complex is situated on a sprawling property surrounded by lush greenery typical of the Kerala backwater region.
The view from the temple entrance looking toward the main gopuram and the landscaped temple tank.
Visit during the early morning hours for a quieter experience.
Consult the temple website for the annual festival calendar to plan your visit around major cultural events.
Respect the designated areas for photography, as interior sanctum photos are strictly prohibited.
Avoid taking photographs inside the sanctum sanctorum or of the deity, as this is forbidden.
The temple remains open daily throughout the year, but specific rituals may cause temporary pauses in public entry.
Traditional Kerala dress code applies; men must remove shirts and vests, while women should wear sarees or long skirts. Shoes must be left at the designated outside counter. Maintain silence within the inner courtyard.