It is believed that when the Pandavas were living incognito, they stayed in this place where the temple is now situated.  So, the place came to be known as Pandavanpara. About 2 km away from here is the Kouravapara where the Kauravas stayed while they were searching for the Pandavas. There is a pond on the rock which never goes dry. There is also a huge cave where the Pandavas are supposed to have lived. The huge stone on top of it makes a musical note when tapped. It is believed that Bhima used it to play music. There are some rocks naturally shaped like lotuses. more All these supports the belief that the Pandavas had stayed there. Legend says that the Pandavas worshipped Lord Krishna using a rock as the idol to protect them from being discovered by the Kouravas. Upon Krishna's instruction they prayed to Lord Mahadeva who appeared before them and deputed a huge form with fire in his mouth and chains in his hand to protect them. The rock which was used to represent Krishna was later carved into an idol of the Lord and consecrated in a temple. This idol is believed to bear a very close resemblance to the idol at the Guruvayoor temple. The figure that came to protect the Pandavas has also been consecrated here. This is said to be the only temple where the Pandavas are consecrated with idols.