There are five Sri Krishna temples built by Pandavas in
Thodupuzha in Idukki district, Kerala. The shrines are together known as
Anchambalam. It is believed that temples were built by Pandavas when they
visited the region during their exile period in the Mahabharata.
The five temples are –
Sri Krishna temple at Thodupuzha was built by Yudhisthira,
the eldest of the Pandavas. The murti of Krishna bhagavan in the shrine had gone
missing for several years and was later retrieved by a Yogeeshwarn and
consecrated in the temple. The shrine faces east.
Sri Krishna temple at Kolani was built by Bhima, the second
of the Pandava brothers. Footprint of Bhima is still visible on a stone at
Uravappara near Kolani. The shrine faces east.
Sri Krishna temple at Muttom was built by Arjuna, the third
of the Pandava brothers. The shrine faces east.
Sri Krishna temple at Edavetty was built by Nakula, the
fourth of the Pandava brothers. The temple had got the blessing of Ashwini
devas and therefore is famous for providing relief to various illness.
Dhanwantari form of Sri Krishna is worshipped here. This shrine is surrounded
by a huge grove filled with medicinal plants and trees. The shrine faces west.
Sri Krishna temple at Perumpillichira was built by Sahadeva,
the fifth of the Pandava brothers. The shrine faces west.
Visiting all the temples on a single day is considered
highly meritorious. Thousands of devotees visit these temples on a single day
in Vaishakha Masam (April – May).