Sad at the way Ashwatthama, the son of Drona was killed, Yudhishtira undertook penance here and worshipped the Lord after taking bath in Tiruchittraru and under took renovation (Jeernodhdharam) work of the temple and attained mental peace. Natives call this temple as Dharamputra Pratishta.
Chenganur is a station on the Ernakulam - Tiruvanandapuram line. Can be approached by road from Kottakarai station(48 kms) on way to Kottayam.