Udayamperoor Ekadasi Mahadeva Temple, located in the southernmost part of the erstwhile Thiruvithaamkoor state, boasts a historical connection to the Kurukshetra war. Its name is intertwined with King Udayanan, renowned for providing sustenance to both the Pandavas and the Kouravas during the conflict. According to the Mahabharatha, when the Pandavas narrowly escaped the burning lac palace and sought refuge in Ekachakra village, present-day Udayamperoor, they found a community of Brahmin families who worshipped Ekadasha Perumthrikovilappan. Due to King Udayanan's rule, the place became known as Ekachakra Udayamperoor. At the onset of the Mahabharatha war, both the Pandavas and Kouravas approached King Udayanan to join their respective sides. more Instead, he chose a neutral stance and provided food for both factions. Among the 108 Siva temples established in Kerala by Sage Parasurama, this temple, being the 11th, earned the name Ekadasha Perumthrikovil. King Udayanan further adorned the temple by creating a garden, known today as Poothotta. Despite Dharmaputhra's intention to express gratitude to King Udayanan for his wartime generosity, the commencement of the Ashwamedha Yaga prevented such a meeting. Notably, when the horse of the yaga wandered into Kerala under the protection of Bhima and Arjuna, King Udayanan courageously captured and tethered it. Bhima's attempt to release the horse brought Arjuna to Udayamperoor, where the King expressed a fervent desire to meet and converse with Lord Krishna. Upon Arjuna's request, Krishna visited Udayanan, bringing immense joy to the King. It is believed that at the Perumthrikovil, Krishna revealed his Viswaroopa, or Cosmic Form, to Udayanan. The Shankaranarayana Vilakk, originally celebrated in commemoration of this event, was later transferred to the Poornthrayeesha temple.
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