Krishnapuram Palace

Posted Date: 17 Jul 2010 Author: Roshan Salim Member Level: Gold (Rs 25)

This is an article about Krishnapuram palace which is an icon of Kerala's heritage. It is famous for its mural painting called Gajendra Moksha.

About Krishnapuram Palace

Krishnapuram Palace is another feather to Kerala's heritage. It is a living specimen of Kerala architecture. Now this monument is protected by Archaeological Department under the government of Kerala. The monument is situated near Krishnaswamy temple in Krishnapuram which is about 2 kms from Kayamkulam. If we look in to the history of this palace, the palace was built after the annexation of Kayamkulam to a state of Travancore. It was built by Anizham Thirunal Martanda Varma who was the first ruler of Travancore Kingdom. The palace was built in pure Kerala Architectural style with many special features. Krishnapuram was not only famous for its Architecture but also for its exemplary wall paintings.

What to See in Krishnapuram Palace

Krishnapuram Palace is world famous for its mural paintings. A painting called ‘Gajendra Moksha' is painted here and it is the largest single panel mural painting in Kerala. It is painted on a single wall which is about 49 sq m. Tourists are mainly attracted to this palace to see this great painting.

The Palace is also known for its exemplary Kerala style architecture. The gabled roofs, narrow corridors and dormer windows are some of the features which are built in pure Kerala style. Many tourists used to take the photographs of these features for a model to build their house frames.

The palace is also an archaeological museum which consists of many sculptures which are made up of stones and wood, old coins, stone inscriptions, paintings, bronzes etc. The war weapons of ancient Kerala rulers can also be seen here including their transportation features. Many historically and archeologically significant features are also preserved and protected here.

The palace is also known for its beautiful garden with wide variety of plants and flowers. The authorities of this palace are taking good efforts to preserve these floral features along with the palace. Recently there is also a statue of Buddha built there and is known as Buddha Mandapam.

Gajendra Moksha

Gajendra Moksha is the largest single panel mural painting of Kerala which is situated in Krishnapuram Palace. It is about 53 sq.ft in area. The literal meaning of the word ‘Gajendra Moksha' is ‘the salvation of elephant King'. In its mythological aspects the painting depicts that an elephant is saluting lord Vishnu in devotion while the other gods, goddesses and saints are watching it. There is also belief that the painting was positioned at the entrance to the palace so that the Kayamkulam rajas can directly worship their deity after their bath itself. Lord Vishnu was considered as their family deity.

How to reach Krishnapuram Palace

Krishnapuram Palace is about 2 kms from Kayamkulam. It is of the same distance from Kayamkulam Railway Station. So the tourists who are coming by rail can halt at kayankulam and can hire a taxi or autoriksha to reach the Palace. Those who coming by air should land at Thiruvanathapuram International Airport or Kochi International Airport. The distance from both these Airports are almost same (about 110kms), but Thiruvanathapuram is nearer. For those who coming by their own vehicle can see the palace on the left side of the National Highway between Ochira and Kayamkulam in the district of Aleppey.
Holidays : Tourists please note, the palace will not be open for Mondays and other National Holidays.