Natakasala Sadya at Sree Krishna Temple, Ambalappuzha

Ambalappuzha, a small town in Alappuzha district, is famed for the temple dedicated to Lord Sree Krishna. Believed to have been built in AD 790 by Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal, a local ruler, this shrine is closely associated with the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple. The temple is famous for a special offering called Ambalappuzha Paal Payasam, a deliciously sweet milk porridge.

Shown in the video is Natakasala Sadya, the community feast during the annual festival at the temple. There is an interesting story behind this rare ritual. Once Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, a Brahmin saint and an ardent devotee of Lord Guruvayoorappan, visited the temple and felt that the lord was not present in the sanctum sanctorum. To his surprise, he found the lord in the Natakasala serving feast to maarars, the temple percussionists. The Natakasala Sadya is held to commemorate this event.