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).