Evoor is one of the sacred Hindu religious places in the Kerala State especially in Onattukara. The word Evoor is originated from 'Eytha ooru', meaning the place from where the arrows were showered to make the 'sharakoodam'. Located in the South of Alappuzha, Evoor is famous for the ancient Sri Krishnaswamy temple which formed in the presence of Bhagavan Sri Krishna himself and it is among the important 26 Mahavishnu shrines. The history of the temple linked to ‘Khandava-dahanam’ (burning of Khandava forest), portrayed in Mahabharata. It is evident from the remains of burnt trees found here widely. Further evidences are seen in nearby ‘Mannarasala’ and ‘Pandavarkavu’ temples in this part of Onattukara. It is also believed that the great Kanva Maharishi (one of the Saptarshis), had lived in the nearby area ‘Kannamangalam’(Kanva-mangalam) and his “Ashrama ’ (hermitage) later became a temple. The yearly ‘Araattu’ (ceremonial bath) of Evoor Krishnaswamy is being held in this temple’s tank.

Origin of Evoor Temple:
The excerpt of ‘Khandava-dahanam’ from Mahabharata depicts the origin of Evoor Temple. Lord Brahma advised Agni-Deva (God of Fire) to swallow the herb-rich Khandava Forest, as a remedy to Agni’s chronic stomach ailment. But presence of Takshaka, the Serpent Kind and Lord Indra’s friend, was always a hindrance for Agni to swallow the forest. Lord Indra every time saved the forest from the impending disaster by sending thundershowers to extinguish the fire. The frustrated Agni, in the disguise of a Brahmana, sought help from Krishna and Arjuna who were visiting the place. Krishna and Arjuna agreed to help the Brahmana. At this time, Kanva Maharshi who lived in the nearby area arrived there to save his Arca Murty’ (a four armed image of Mahavishnu) from the imminent fire. Lord Krishan granted a boon to Kanva that the Murty will be saved from the fire. Soon Agni started swallowing the Khandava forest. Lord Indra sent thundershowers to resist Agni from engulfing the herb-rich forest. As promised to Agni, Lord Krish advised Arjuna to build a “Sharakoodam” (shelter of arrows) to complete ‘Khandava dahanam’. After getting cured from the ailment, the grateful Agni sough Lord Krishna’s permission to install the Murty in a new temple to facilitate permanent worship. As instructed by Lord Krishna, Arjuna fired an arrow to find out the location. At the place, where the arrow landed, a new temple was consecrated. Lord Krishna filled his divine power into the Murthy and Arjuna performed the first pooja after the *Prana-Prathishta*. A ‘Murthy’ of ‘Bhoothanathaswamy’ (‘Kiratha Murthy’ form of Lord Siva) together with ‘Yakshi Amma’ (Devi Parvathy) were consecrated as the Sub -Deities. The ancient trees roofing them are the survivors of Khandava-forest.
 
Fire and Re-construction
The temple was destroyed in a fire about 125 years. Many people tried to remove the deity when the “Sreekovil” caught fire, but all efforts were in vain. Finally an old Brahmana devotee who was residing next to the temple, after taking a dip in the temple pond, walked through the engulfing flames and brought out the deity unharmed.
The then King of Travancore, Sri Moolam Thirunal had a dream when he was in Kasi. Lord Krishna disguised as a Brahmana boy asked the Kind to re-build the Evoor Temple.
Soon, on his arrival from Kasi, the King re-built the present temple with palatial amenities such as security trenches atop the roof all around and underground drainage network to drain the ‘abhisheka water’ from ‘Sreekovil’ to the adjacent temple tank.

 
 

The renowned ‘Tharananalloor Tantri‘ (whose ancestors were brought to Kerala by Sri Parashurama) was appointed as the hereditary ‘Tantri ’ or priest of this temple. To attain self-reliance, enormous wealth in the form of lands and other assets was granted by the Authority concerned to the temple. Moreover, extensive neighborhood facilities and all necessary infrastructure were put in place for the temple.
 

Main Prathishta (idol): Sree Krishnan(Chathurbahu Swaroopam with Prayogachakradhari)
Upadeva Prathista: Sree Bhuthanathan
Kshethra Thantri: From Tarananellur Mana, Iringalakuda
Kshethra Urazhma: Kannamballil Madam
Kshethra Karazhma Kudumbangal: Kalarickal, Elaykal, Pandarathu, Chettiyathu, Kuttathumuri, Variyathu, Pandipurathu Thuruthiyil
Karakal: Evoor South, Evoor North, Evoor North West
Daily Poojakal: 05(Usha Pooja, Ethritha Pooja, Pantheeradi Pooja, Ucha Pooja, Athazha Pooja)
Sreebali: 3 times
Special Poojakal(Festival time): Navakam, Anchupooja, Sreebhoothabali, Ultsavabali