In the serene village of Dodda Mallur, near Channapatna in Ramanagara district, stands one of the most enchanting temples of Karnataka — the Sri Aprameya Swamy Temple, home to the rare and beloved deity of Ambegalu Krishna, the crawling child form of Lord Sri Krishna.
Every year, countless couples who long for a child visit this temple with faith-filled hearts, praying to this divine infant whose tender form has blessed generations with the joy of parenthood.
The Temple and Its Legend
The word Aprameya means “beyond comprehension” — a name befitting Lord Vishnu, whose divine nature cannot be measured by words or thought. The temple, believed to be over a thousand years old, is said to have been originally built by Chola kings and later expanded under Vijayanagara rulers. Its Dravidian-style architecture, complete with intricate carvings, towering gopuram, and graceful sculptures, mirrors the grandeur and devotion of South Indian temple tradition.
According to legend, Sage Vyasa himself installed the main deity of Aprameya Swamy in this sacred site, recognizing the divine vibrations that filled the region. The temple stands on the banks of the Kanva River, a tributary of the great Cauvery, making it a spiritually potent kshetra where water, devotion, and divine presence converge.
The most unique aspect of this temple, however, is the small sanctum dedicated to Ambegalu Krishna — the Crawling Baby Krishna. This rare form depicts Krishna as an infant crawling on His knees with a ball of butter in His hand. The image captures the tender, playful, and irresistible charm of the Lord as a child — the same leela that captured the hearts of Yashoda and all of Gokula.
Ambegalu Krishna — The Divine Child of Hope
In Kannada, Ambegalu means “crawling.” The image of Ambegalu Krishna at Dodda Mallur is said to have been discovered by Sage Vyasa through divine intuition. The sage heard a celestial voice instructing him to install the Lord in the very form of a crawling child, as that form would grant joy and progeny to childless couples.
To this day, devotees believe that the divine child here listens to every prayer made with sincerity. Couples facing infertility or delay in conception come here from all corners of the country. They perform special poojas and sevas, offering butter, tulasi garlands, and prayers to the tiny deity who embodies innocence and love.
Those who are blessed with children later return to the temple with their newborns — a custom known as “Santanaprapti Seva.” It is common to see mothers carrying their babies dressed as little Krishnas, offering gratitude to Ambegalu Krishna, who answered their prayers. The sight of hundreds of cradles tied in the temple precincts, filled with parents’ hopes and vows, adds a moving aura of devotion to this sacred space.
The Sacred Rituals and Offerings
The temple’s main deities — Sri Aprameya Swamy (Vishnu), Goddess Aravindavalli Thayar, and Ambegalu Krishna — are all worshipped daily through elaborate rituals that follow ancient Vaikhanasa Agama traditions. Among the most significant offerings for couples seeking blessings are:
- Santana Gopala Pooja:
Devotees perform this pooja with a special Sankalpa (intention) seeking the boon of progeny. The priest chants the Santana Gopala Mantra, invoking the divine grace of Lord Krishna as the giver of children. “Om Devaki-suta Govinda, Vasudeva Jagatpate,
Dehi me tanayam Krishna, Tvām ahaṁ śaraṇam gataḥ.”
- Butter Offering (Navaneeta Seva):
Just as little Krishna’s favorite delight was butter, devotees offer freshly churned butter as naivedyam. This simple act symbolizes the pure love of a parent and child — the essence of bhakti itself.
- Cradle Offering (Tulabhara or Palna Seva):
Couples who receive the blessing of a child often offer a small cradle to the temple or weigh the baby in fruits, sugar, or coins as thanksgiving. This ancient Tulabhara ritual expresses deep gratitude and surrender.
Saints, Poetry, and Cultural Glory
The temple of Aprameya Swamy holds a special place in the hearts of devotees of the Vaishnava tradition. The saint-poet Sri Purandara Dasa, known as the “Sangeeta Pitamaha” (Father of Carnatic Music), was deeply inspired by this temple.
It is said that upon seeing the beauty of the child Krishna here, Purandara Dasa composed his immortal song:
“Jagadoddharana Adisidalu Yashode…”
(“O Yashoda, you gave birth to the one who uplifted the whole world.”)
This kirtana, sung in thousands of homes across South India, carries the same vibration of joy and devotion that fills the sanctum of Ambegalu Krishna. The temple, thus, is not only a pilgrimage site but also a living cradle of bhakti music, poetry, and divine motherhood.
Architectural and Spiritual Grandeur
The temple’s architecture reflects the perfect balance of artistry and spirituality. The sanctum (garbhagriha) houses Aprameya Swamy in standing posture with conch and discus, while Ambegalu Krishna sits in a smaller shrine nearby.
Carvings of Dashavatara, Garuda, and divine sages adorn the walls. The temple tank, called Kalyani, is believed to be infused with healing vibrations — and pilgrims take a dip before performing their vows. During festivals, the temple is illuminated with lamps and the air resonates with the sound of conches and chanting.
Festivals and Divine Celebrations
The grandest celebration here is the Brahmotsava, held in April–May (Chaitra month), when thousands gather to witness the divine procession of Aprameya Swamy and Ambegalu Krishna on golden chariots.
On Krishna Janmashtami, the temple turns into a realm of divine joy — children dressed as little Krishnas crawl and play in the temple courtyard, recreating the leelas of the Lord Himself.
How to Reach
- Location: Dodda Mallur, near Channapatna, Ramanagara District, Karnataka.
- Distance: 60 km from Bengaluru, 3 km from Channapatna railway station.
- Access: Easily accessible via Bengaluru–Mysuru highway (NH 275).
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
- Nearest Temples: Navaneeta Krishna Temple, Kanva Reservoir, and Channapatna’s traditional toy workshops for cultural visitors.
A Temple of Love, Faith, and Miracles
Sri Aprameya Swamy Temple stands as a reminder that divine love often comes in the form of a child. The sight of Ambegalu Krishna — His tiny hands holding butter, His knees touching the ground — melts even the hardest of hearts. For couples yearning for parenthood, this temple is more than a shrine; it is a place of rebirth — where hope crawls back into their lives.
Faith here is not an abstract concept but a lived reality. As countless devotees testify, the moment one stands before the Ambegalu Krishna, a silent assurance rises in the heart — “Your prayer is heard.”
