Five Temples Built By Panch pandavas For Lord Krishna In Kerala

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Kerala is known for unique temples dedicated to mostly Krishna in an unusual style. The presence of panch pandava temples here in the lap of the naturally beautiful Kerala, invites thousands of devotees here. Let us take a look at this.

Not built in the regular south Indian style, these temples have a typical kerala architectural touch and stand amidst lush green vegetation, giving it a really divine aura and appearance.

It is surprising to note that Pancha Pandavas had visited Kerala and built a string of five temples for Krishna. They are directly connected to the times of Mahabharata and hence are deemed extremely sacred.

Situated in Mallapuzhassery, Mavelikkara and Chengannurareas, part of Kottayam Allapuzha districts of Kerala, these temples were built upon the collective decision of Pandavas who visited Kerala to have a peaceful respite and to build temples for Krishna.

Pandavas, after making Parikshit, as king of hastinapura, left southwards for some peaceful respite and an isolated area to build temples.

This place was earmarked by them as suitable for meditation so that they could absolve a portion of their sins. To express their gratitude to Krishna, they decided to build a temple for him.

Kunti devi built a temple in Alappuzha- the Pandavakavu temple. The purpose of pilgrimage of devotees who visit the pancha pandava temples, have to take a darshan of Pandavakavu temple to complete the pilgrimage.

Pandavakadu is a few kilometers away from Kayakulam and Haripad, a place famous for the serpent temple.
Kunti Devi, who wanted to settle down in a secluded spot for doing her daily worship of Durga chose this area. The clay from Kaliyezhathu fields were selected to create an image of Durga.

Using the Thechi flowers and the offering of red banana, she worshipped the goddess. In the later years, a panchaloha idol was made, enclosing the clay image made by Kunti from breaking.

At Pandavakavu temple Kadalipazham is the main offering, even today, to the deity and Thechi flower is being used for puja. The five temples are among the 108 Divya Desam Shetrams whose praises were sung by the great Azhawars in the 4000 devotional hymns on Sri Vishnu in Tamil.

Vaishnvite Azhwars' description of these temples shows that they dated back to 7th to 8th century, or even older. 03. Antiquity of Pancha Pandava Temples is close to Chengannur and Pathanamthitta.

All the pancha pandava temples are built for Lord Krishna. Sri Krishna idol displays the Viswaroopa avatar of Krishna in all these temples.

Mahavishnu idol is not in the Ananathsayanam posture with Adisesha in all these temples. In these temples, the consorts of Maha Vishnu are not seen. The Sri devi and Bhudevi idols are not installed in the sanctum. Visiting all these Pancha Pandava temple is equal to the pilgrimage of Pandavas to this place in ancient time.

This pilgrimage gives the same punya that you get by going to Kashi or Rameshwaram. Devotees are advised to visit the Pandava temples in particular order starting with the temple built by Dharmaraja ( yudhishtira) followed by shrines built by Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva respectively.

The pilgrimage to the Pandava temples in Kerala will not be complete unless you make a visit to the Pandavakavu temple in Allapuzha.

The Saga of Pancha Pandavas: Pandavas was five in number and they were Yudhishtira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva. Yudhishtira, Bhima and Arjuna are the sons of Kunthi. Remaining are the sons of Madhri.

These five brothers were married to Draupadi, who was born to Agni. Lord Krishna mentored the pandavas and helped them throughout their life. He taught them the war strategies and had immense love towards Pandavas.

Since Krishna led Arjunas chariot as his charioteer, he came to be called Parthasarathy. Pandu's brother was Dridhrashtra who was the father of kauravas who were a venomous clan, and dishonest. They had an uncle by name Shakuni who fanned their evil tendencies and brought them up to be villains.

When the time of coronation arrived, it was decided that Pandus eldest son Yudhistira would become the king. But Duryodhana the eldest son of Dhritarashtra was against it. Kauravas, as per an evil plan, called them over to their palace to gamble with them.

Yudhishtira lost his kingdom and finally Draupadi too and then sent on exile. Pandavas with the help of krishna, got back their kingdom after a gory war fought for 18 days. This shows that dharma protects those who protect it. Dharmo rakshati rakshitaha.

Pancha Pandava temples of Kerala: Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu Temple built by Yudhishthira. Puliyur Mahavishnu Temple established by Bheema, Aranmula. Parthasarathy Temple installed by Arjuna. Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple built by Nakula. Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple built by Sahadeva.Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple.