Pandavanpara is a group of rocks believed to have been used
by Pandavas during their exile period in the Mahabharata. The rocks are located
around 2 km from Chengannur town in Alappuzha District in Kerala. At
Pandavanpara there is a temple dedicated to Sri Krishna.
Three rocks behind the temple show lotus in various stages
of its bloom – first bud, second in half-bloom and third in full bloom.
Other rocks in the area include one shaped like a frog with
its mouth open, a rock that produces musical vibration, a chair and a carry
case of betel leaves and arceneut.
A rock in the shape of a giant body is unique – Bhima is
believed to have reclined on the rock. There are also giant footprints of
Bhima. There are also five rocks in the shape of chair believed to have been used by the Pandavas.
The Hindu reports
Though the rocks are in need of conservation, the local temple authorities prefer anonymity to increased footfalls. The temple's renovation was completed last year with generous contributions from members of different communities and faiths. There is a small shrine for Nattudaya swami, the guardian of the area. There is a pool that never goes dry, and a couple of huge rocks standing precariously but firmly on needle-thin bases — a la Krishna’s butter ball in Mamallapuram.
There is a Pandavanpara near Thenmala in Kollam district and another near Neyyatinkara in Thiruvanathapuram district; the latter has been declared a protected monument. But this Pandava hide-out in central Travancore chooses to be left alone.