Thiruvarppu, Kottayam – In the quiet village of Thiruvarppu near Kottayam, a unique ritual unfolds every morning long before sunrise. The Sree Krishna Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, opens its doors as early as 2:30 AM — making it one of the earliest-opening temples in India.
According to Hari Namboothiri, the temple’s chief priest, the day begins with the Palliyunarthal ritual at 2 AM, after which the sanctum is opened. This early schedule stems from the belief that Lord Krishna cannot tolerate hunger — a tradition that has endured through generations.
Ancient Legends and Temple History
Local folklore connects the temple’s origins with Padmapadar, a disciple of the Shankaracharya, who is believed to have found the idol of Krishna in a lake. Some traditions also hold that Draupadi worshipped the deity during the Pandavas’ exile, and that the legendary Akshaya Patra (the vessel of inexhaustible food) drifted along with the idol before it was enshrined here.
The priest often carries an axe along with the key — not as a threat, but as a symbolic reminder that the deity’s food offering should never be delayed. Although used rarely, the axe signifies the commitment to open the temple on time every day.
Unique Rituals and Offerings
The temple’s ritual calendar is deeply tied to natural light and the sun’s position, rather than the clock. The Usha Payasam — a sweet offering prepared with rice, jaggery, banana, and ghee — is presented soon after opening and is considered highly auspicious. Devotees book this offering months in advance, with slots filled up to 2034.
Thiruvarppu’s traditions also include performing the Pantheeradi Pooja at the moment sunlight touches an elephant figure behind the sanctum, and closing the temple precisely an hour and 12 minutes after sunset.