Chittoor Sree Krishnaswamy Temple, located at South Chittoor in Ernakulam
is a classic example of typical Kerala style architecture. Dedicated to
Lord Krishna, this 13th Century temple built between the year 1375-1475,
was originally a small edifice which was later modified. For centuries
the temple was closely associated with the Kartha family of Cheranelloor
Swaroopam and was later taken over by Rama Varma Maharaja of Cochin Royal
family. Now the temple is under the administrative control of Cochin Devaswom
Board.
The Sreekovil or Santum sanctorum, where the idol of the Lord installed,
is square in shape with pyramidal roofing covered in copper sheets. On
either side of the brass door, stands two statues of ‘Dwarapalakas’ on
guard. The Sreekovil is surrounded by a Shiva-Ganapathi temple in a corner
and the temple kitchen Thidapalli, on the right, a small well Manikkinar
on the left and the Namaskara mandapam in front. The sreekovil and the
surrounding buildings are enclosed by a walled structure Nalambalam or
Chuttabalam. In front of the entrance to the temple is the Kodimaram or
Dhwajastambham (Flagpole of the temple). Besides the main shrine, within
the temple complex, there are other shrines for Upadevathas such as Shiva-Ganapathi,
Hanuman, Kandankulangara Bhagavathy, Naga and Brahmarakshas. The temple
pond, Agnihotratheertham lies on the northern side of the temple and a
huge statue of ‘Kaleeyamardanam’ (Lord Krishna standing on top of big
‘Sarpam’ (snake) ‘Kaleeya’) is located on the left side of main entrance.
Lord Vishnu here is known for curing people suffering from acute Rheumatic
pain.
Contact
Chittoor Sree Krishnaswamy Temple
South Chittoor, Kochi-682 027 Ernakulam District
Phone: 0484-2432757
E-mail : Contact
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