Not only Krishna, Draupadi and her maternal uncle Shakuni are also worshiped in these temples. Not only Krishna, Draupadi and ‘Mama Shakuni’ are also worshiped in these temples, India’s rarest Mahabharata temple.

Mahabharata is not just a scripture, but an integral part of Indian culture, which has given direction to our faith for centuries. Usually, we worship Gods and Goddesses in temples, but did you know that there are temples in the holy land of India, where major characters of Mahabharata—from Yudhishthira to Shakuni—are worshipped? These temples are not only examples of ancient architecture, but they are also a symbol of people’s deep reverence for the characters of Mahabharata. Let us know about those selected temples of India, where history and folklore are still alive.

Shri Krishna Temple of Udupi: Center of Spirituality

The temple of Lord Shri Krishna located in Udupi, Karnataka is more than 700 years old. Established by Saint Madhvacharya, this temple is considered to be the biggest center of spirituality for the devotees. It is every devotee’s dream to visit this temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, the divine guide of Mahabharata. The devotion and traditions here still remind of that divine time, when Krishna preached the establishment of religion in the plains of Kurukshetra.

Dharmaraya Swami Temple: Dedicated to Yudhishthira and Draupadi

The Dharmaraya Swamy Temple in Bengaluru is dedicated to Yudhishthira (Dharmaraja), the eldest brother of the Pandavas. This temple not only honors the integrity of Yudhishthira, but is also the main center of ‘Draupadi Puja’ in South India. The traditions related to Mahabharata are followed with full rituals in the grand festivals organized here every year. Considering Yudhishthir as a symbol of religion and goodness, devotees come here to make their wishes.

Amman Temple of Draupadi: Goddess of Courage and Devotion

The ‘Draupadi Amman Temple’ located in Tamil Nadu is a proof that Draupadi is not just a character but is worshiped as a powerful goddess in Indian culture. Here Draupadi is considered a symbol of courage and devotion. The unique rituals and annual festivals of this temple keep alive the memories of Mahabharata, which narrate the story of women power. Here there is a long queue of devotees worshiping Draupadi as a protector and goddess.

Rare temple of Mama Shakuni

The mention of the name of Mama Shakuni, the most famous villain of Mahabharata, brings hatred in people’s mind, but Kerala’s ‘Mayamkottu Malancharuvu Malanada Temple’ changes this perception. This is one of the few and rare temples in India, which is dedicated to the Gandhara king Shakuni. Local folk traditions have preserved the memories of Shakuni here. The existence of a temple dedicated to this important character of Mahabharata proves that every character has its own place in our culture, which is preserved even today in ancient folklore.