Neyyattinkara Sreekrishna Swami Temple — Attraction in Kerala

Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Swami Temple is one of the most historically and spiritually significant temples in southern Kerala, located around 20 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram city.

This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna in his child form Navaneetha Krishna, fondly known as Unnikannaaa depicted holding butter in both hands. The peaceful ambience and lush surroundings make this temple a divine and refreshing experience for devotees and visitors alike.

The temple was established during the reign of Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the king of Travancore, in the 18th century. According to local legend, the king, while escaping from his enemies, hid inside the hollow trunk of a jackfruit tree, and a mysterious young boy helped him escape. This boy was later believed to be Lord Krishna himself.

The same jackfruit tree, now called Ammachi Plavu, is still preserved within the temple compound and stands as a powerful symbol of divine protection and grace.

Architecturally, the temple reflects traditional Kerala style with exquisite carvings, wooden ceilings, and mural paintings. The gopuram (entrance tower) is beautifully adorned with a depiction of Krishna delivering the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, which adds a spiritual and philosophical dimension to the temple’s design. The sanctum doors are gold-plated, and the walls inside are covered with vibrant murals illustrating the life and divine acts of Krishna.

The temple complex also houses shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Dharmasastha (Lord Ayyappa), and Nagaraja, making it a complete pilgrimage site.

A sacred elephant named Neyyattinkara Kannan is also part of the temple’s culture and often takes part in temple festivals and processions.

The temple’s main annual festival is held in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March–April), and includes a grand Aarattu (ritual bath) ceremony at the nearby Neyyar River. The temple is especially crowded during Ashtami Rohini (Krishna Janmashtami) and Navaratri, when special offerings and classical music concerts are organized. A unique offering here is Thrikayil Venna (fresh butter), which is considered highly sacred and is distributed as prasadam.

Managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board, the temple is well-maintained and easily accessible, being close to Neyyattinkara bus stand and railway station. The calm atmosphere, the powerful legend of divine intervention, and the serene energy of Unnikannan make this temple a truly enriching spiritual destination.

Whether you are a devotee seeking blessings or a traveler drawn to history, architecture, and tradition, Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Swami Temple leaves a lasting impression with its simplicity,...

Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is a revered spiritual destination that embodies the essence of devotion and tranquility. Our visit to this sacred site was a profoundly enriching experience, showcasing the perfect blend of spiritual significance, architectural grandeur, and natural beauty.As i approached the temple, we were struck by its stunning architecture, which seamlessly blends traditional Kerala style with modern elements. The temple's facade, adorned with intricate carvings and ornate decorations, seemed to radiate an aura of serenity. We were fascinated by the temple's unique design, which features a distinctive blend of circular and rectangular structures. The Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. The temple's sanctum sanctorum, housing the majestic idol of Lord Krishna, exuded an aura of divine energy. We were deeply moved by the temple's spiritual ambiance, which seemed to transcend the boundaries of time and space.The temple is an integral part of the local community, hosting various cultural and traditional events throughout the year. We were fortunate to witness a traditional Kathakali performance, which showcased the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. The temple's annual festivals, including the Krishna Jayanti and the Temple Festival, are grand celebrations that attract devotees from far and wide. The temple's surroundings offer a serene and peaceful atmosphere, with lush greenery and towering trees providing a natural canopy. We took a leisurely stroll around the temple, soaking in the tranquility and natural beauty of the surroundings. The nearby Neyyar River, which flows gently through the landscape, added to the charm of the location.The Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is a spiritual oasis that offers a profound and enriching experience. As we departed, the memories of our visit lingered, beckoning us to return and immerse ourselves in the temple's divine energy and...

This temple is situated about 20 km from Trivandrum in the middle of Neyathinkara town. The god consecrated here is Lord Krishna as a child holding in his hand a ball of butter, Daily the priest keeps a fresh ball of butter in Lord Krishna’s hands. It is believed that the ghee which was collected in the ashrama of Aghasthya (in the top of the mountain) over flowed and became a river of ghee. Neyyar in Malayalam means “river of Ghee”. Neyathin Kara means “On the banks of Neyyar”. The temple of Lord Krishna is situated in the banks of Neyyar. There is a ghat (steps) in to the river from the temple. This temple was constructed by Sri Marthanda Verma, the famous king of Travancore. This king in his youth was hunted by several of his enemies and reached near a jack fruit tree in Neyathinkara. When his enemies were chasing him, a young boy appeared from no where and showed him a cave below the jack fruit tree. (Ammachi Plavu-mother jack tree). The king escaped. Later Lord Krishna appeared in his dream and told that it was he who has saved the king. The king immediately ordered the building of a temple. The king ordered a statue made of black stone. But the boat carrying the black stone idol some how stuck to a point. The king consulted the astrologers who told that God wanted an idol made of Pancha Loha and not black stone. The black stone idol was consecrated in a village called Krishna Puram and a new Panch aloha idol was made. The idol of Krishna faces the west. The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is made of copper. There is a ten day long festival in the month of Meeanam...