Koickal Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, also known as the Kottaram Sree Krishna Temple, is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Poonjar, Kottayam district. The temple’s history is deeply intertwined with the origins of the Poonjar Royal Dynasty, dating back to the 11th century. According to legend, Prince Manavikrama Pandyan, who had abdicated his throne in Madurai to establish a new kingdom, was once attacked by dacoits while camping on the banks of the Periyar River. At that critical moment, a sixteen-year-old boy appeared on an elephant, leading a group of tribal warriors who drove away the attackers and saved the prince. The mysterious boy more was later revealed to be Lord Krishna himself. In gratitude, Manavikrama Pandyan, the founder of the Poonjar Dynasty, built the Koickal Sree Krishna Swamy Temple at Poonjar to honour Lord Krishna. The temple later came under the association of the Idaserry family and was handed over to Maharaja Marthanda Varma of Travancore in 1731 CE. Since then, the temple has been under the administration of the Travancore Devaswom Board. Historically, the Poonjar Koickal Devaswom, established by the royal family over two centuries ago, served multiple roles beyond worship; it functioned as a centre for learning, culture, administration, and state affairs, even safeguarding the kingdom’s treasures. Though times have changed, the Devaswom continues to preserve the temple’s ancient traditions and rituals with great devotion. The Tantric rituals of the temple are conducted by the Tantri Kantararu Mohanaru of Tazhamon Madom, belonging to the same lineage that officiates at the Sabarimala Temple traditions. Today, the Poonjar Koickal Devaswom manages around nine temples, with its headquarters located at the Poonjar Dharma Shasta Temple premises, near the historic Poonjar Palace in Panichipara.