Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Temple: Where Innocence Meets Divinity

Location

Town: Neyyattinkara
District: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Distance: ~20 km south of Thiruvananthapuram city
Access: Well-connected by road and rail; nearest railway station is Neyyattinkara

Deities and Subshrines

Temple Significance

Built between 1750–1755 by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, ruler of Travancore
Associated with the king’s legendary escape and divine protection by Lord Krishna

Renowned musicians like Neyyattinkara Vasudevan have performed here during festivals
The temple is a hub for Carnatic music and devotional arts

The child form of Krishna (Unnikannan) evokes innocence, joy, and divine playfulness
The butter offering symbolizes purity and devotion

Built in Kerala-style Dravidian architecture, with traditional woodwork and tiled roofs
Managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board

History

Constructed during the reign of Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the founder of modern Travancore.
Built as a thanksgiving shrine after the king was miraculously saved by a cowherd boy—believed to be Lord Krishna himself—while fleeing enemies.
The temple became a symbol of royal devotion and divine intervention, and remains one of the most revered Krishna temples in Kerala.

Legends

The king, while escaping from Ettuveetil Pillamar (feudal lords), hid inside a hollow tree. A cowherd boy diverted the pursuers and protected him.
Later, the king realized the boy was Lord Krishna in disguise, and built the temple in gratitude.
The tree, known as Ammachiplavu, still stands near the temple and is worshipped as part of the legend.
The deity is worshipped as Unnikannan, the butter-holding child form of Krishna (Navaneetha Krishna), evoking joy, innocence, and divine love.

Architecture

Sloping tiled roofs, wooden carvings, and granite base structures
A main gopuram (gateway) depicting Krishna teaching Arjuna from the Bhagavad Gita
A sanctum sanctorum (sreekovil) with traditional circular design and copper roofing

The temple complex includes shrines for Ganesha, Dharmasastha, and Nagaraja, reflecting Kerala’s inclusive temple culture
Managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board, ensuring preservation of rituals and heritage

Daily Rituals

Thrikkayyilvenna Offering: Sacred butter (Navaneetham) is offered to Unnikannan, symbolizing purity and devotion
Usha Pooja: Early morning worship with floral and lamp offerings
Deeparadhana: Evening lamp ritual with devotional songs
Palpayasam and Appam: Popular naivedyam offerings
Pradakshina and Archana: Devotees perform circumambulation and personalized prayers

Major Festivals

Celebrated over several days with flag hoisting (Kodiyettam), cultural programs, and processions
Features Carnatic music concerts by renowned artists like Neyyattinkara Vasudevan
Includes Unnikannan’s ceremonial procession, fireworks, and special poojas

Janmashtami: Krishna’s birthday celebrated with devotional singing, butter offerings, and children dressed as Krishna
Navaratri and Vishu: Observed with regional customs and temple rituals
Mandala Pooja: Linked to Dharmasastha subshrine, observed during the Sabarimala season

Beliefs and Spiritual Significance

Unnikannan’s Grace: Worshipping the butter-holding child Krishna is believed to bring joy, protection, and fulfillment of innocent desires
Royal Rescue Legend: The temple is seen as a symbol of divine intervention and protection, especially during times of crisis
Ammachiplavu Tree: Still preserved and worshipped, believed to have sheltered Marthanda Varma during his escape
Musical Heritage: The temple is a cultural hub, reinforcing the belief that devotion through music pleases Krishna

Temple Hours

Getting Here

Tips

Footwear: Must be removed before entering temple premises
Offerings: Thrikkayyilvenna (sacred butter) is the signature offering to Unnikannan
Photography: Restricted inside the sanctum; permitted in outer areas
Dress Code: Traditional attire preferred; modest clothing recommended
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