The Doddamallur Krishna temple or the Aprameya Swamy Temple (Ambegal Krishna) is one of the most revered Vaishnava shrines in Karnataka. It stands in Doddamallur village, close to Channapatna in Ramanagara district. It is known for its tall gateway, its ancient roots and its crawling-Krishna idol, which draws families from across South India.
Doddamallur Krishna Temple History
Tradition links the shrine to the 11th century and the Chola ruler Rajendra Simha, who is said to have built and expanded it. Inscriptions and local accounts also associate the temple with a Chola general named Aprameya. According to legend, Lord Rama stayed here for a time during his exile and worshipped Aprameya, performing homas and yagas. For this reason, the place is also called “Dakshina Ayodhya” (South Ayodhya).
The village sits on the sandy banks of the Kanva river, and some traditions say the settlement’s name evolved from an older Tamil name. Over the centuries the temple’s outer enclosure was rebuilt during the Vijayanagara period. Saint Purandara Dasa is believed to have visited some 500 years ago. He is said to have been so charmed by the infant Krishna that he composed devotional songs in praise of the deity. This long link with saints and devotional music is part of why the Doddamallur Krishna temple holds such a special place in local faith.
Temple architecture
The shrine follows the Dravidian tradition, with a tall rajagopura that is visible from the highway and invites travellers to stop. Stone foundations support the structure on sandy ground. Inside, a prakara (enclosed circumambulation path) surrounds the main sanctum and several smaller shrines. Carved stone pillars, spacious mandapas and a calm courtyard give the complex its quiet, devotional atmosphere. Visitors exploring the architecture of the Doddamallur Krishna temple will notice how the sub-shrines are arranged around the central sanctum, so devotees can complete the full circuit in a single visit.
Deities in the temple
The main deity is Sri Aprameya Swamy, a four-armed form of Vishnu carved from Saligrama stone and shown standing. The name “Aprameya” means immeasurable or beyond comprehension. His consort, Aravindavalli Thayar, has her own shrine within the complex.
The most celebrated image is the Ambegal (crawling) Navaneetha Krishna, a black-stone idol of the child Krishna holding butter, usually found in the north-west corner of the complex. Many devotees call the whole site the Ambegal Krishna temple, and couples hoping for a child pray here. Some offer small silver swings (cradles) once their wishes are fulfilled. Other shrines in the complex include Vaikuntha Narayana, along with images of Andal and Vedanta Desika. Anyone planning a pilgrimage to the Doddamallur Krishna temple should set aside time to visit each of these sanctums.
Doddamallur Krishna temple timings
Published timings vary slightly between sources, but the temple generally opens in the morning, closes in the early afternoon, and reopens in the late afternoon until about 8:30 pm. A commonly listed schedule is 6:00 am to 1:30 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Timings may change during festivals, special occasions and seasonal periods, and the temple can be closed for renovation. Please confirm with the temple office before travelling. For weekday visits, going in the morning usually means thinner crowds and a more relaxed darshan.
How to reach
By road: The temple is about 60 km from Bengaluru, a short detour from the Bengaluru–Mysuru highway (NH 275). It lies roughly a kilometre from Channapatna town, which has regular bus services. Local autorickshaws and private cabs cover the remaining distance.
By rail: Channapatna railway station is the nearest railhead and is connected to Bengaluru and Mysuru.
By air: Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru is the closest airport, and taxis are easily available from there.
Because of its position on the Bengaluru–Mysuru route, the Doddamallur Krishna temple fits comfortably into a day trip, and it combines well with a visit to nearby Channapatna, famous for its wooden toys. The ancient Nadi Narasimha temple is only about 2 km from this temple.
FAQs
1. Where is the Doddamallur Krishna temple located?
The temple is in Doddamallur village, about a kilometre from Channapatna town in Ramanagara district, Karnataka. It lies close to the Bengaluru–Mysuru highway (NH 275).
2. Why is the temple known as the Ambegal Krishna temple?
“Ambegal” means crawling in Kannada. The shrine houses a black-stone idol of infant Krishna in a crawling pose, holding butter (navaneetha). Because this image is so popular, many devotees call the whole complex the Ambegal Krishna or Navaneetha Krishna temple.
3. What are the temple timings?
Published timings differ slightly between sources. A commonly listed schedule is 6:00 am to 1:30 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Timings can change during festivals or renovation work, so please confirm with the temple office before you travel.
4. How far is the temple from Bengaluru, and how can I reach it?
It is roughly 60 km from Bengaluru. You can drive or take a bus along the Bengaluru–Mysuru highway to Channapatna, then use an autorickshaw or cab for the short remaining distance. Channapatna railway station is the nearest railhead, and Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru is the closest airport.
