Malaiyin Keezhu is a small town 15 kilometers to the east of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The place is the valley between two hills known as Mankunnumala and Ellumala. The other names of the place are Giri Keezh Malai Keezh, Girimoolam and Girimoola puri.
Sri Krishnaswamy temple is situated at a small elevation. It is believed that the temple is in existence since the 11th Century.
The temple is said to be associated with Neyyattinkara Krishna temple.
The vigraha of Sri Krishna is said to be consecrated by Sri Vilva Mangala Swamy as directed by the Lord Himself in Swamiji’s dream. The Deity is also called as Thiruvallazhappan.
It is believed that as per scriptures the temple is associated with the Vishnu temples situated at Thiruvalla, Thiruvananthapuram and Guruvayur.
Built as per Kerala architecture, the temple appears to be on an elevation from the distance.
One has to mount the few stone steps to reach the temple.
The walls to the either side of the stairs is adorned with colorful murals depicting Bhagwan Ganesh and other Deities.
On entering the temple, past the stone pillared platforms on both sides, we get to see the Dhwaja Sthambam and Bali Peedam.
The main sanctum is past the Dhwaja Sthambam in Maha Mandapam. The doors of the main sanctum are golden. Sri Garuda and Sri Anjaneya appear as Dwara Palakas.
At the main sanctum, Bhagwan Sri Krishna is in standing position. Women are not allowed inside the main sanctum as Sri Bhagwan is in meditation. However, one can get a good darshan of Bhagwan from Dhwaja Sthambam itself.
During perambulation, we get to get the darshan of Sri Brahma Rishi, Sri Vinayaka, Sri Dharma Sastha and Sri Parama Shiva in separate sanctum.
The sthala vruksham has the naga pradishta under it.
There is a well inside the temple as theertham.
The Annual Brahmothsavam of this temple is celebrated in Meenam month which occurs in March-April. During this, the vigraha of Sri Krishna is taken out in procession and immersed in the nearby Karamana river.
The temple is open for darshan from 04.30 A.M to 12.00 Noon and from 04.00 P.M to 08.00 P.M.
Just outside the temple, to its left side, we get to see a pond with elephant shed at the bank.
The morning Suprabatha Seva named Palliynunarthal commences at 04.00 A.M, followed by opening the Nada by 04.30 A.M, Nirmalya darshan at 04.35 A.M, Deepa Aradhana at 04.40 A.M, Abhishekam and Pushpa Nivedhanam at 05.00 A.M, Deepa Aradhana at 05.30 A.M, Usha Kala Puja at 06.15 A.M, Athyatha Puja at 07.15 A.M, Shree Bali and Sri Ganapathi Homam at 07.30 A.M, Uchi Kala Puja at 10.45 A.M, Uchi Kala Shree Bali and Nada Closure at 11.00 A.M.
Then the evening Nada Thorakal is at 05.00 P.M followed by Deepa Aradhana at 06.30 P.M and Athazha Puja at 08.00 P.M.
The temple can be reached from Thiruvanantha Puram by bus from East fort. Taxis can also be booked.
