Achankovil Sri Dharmasastha Temple- Kerala

Address

Achankovil Sri Dharmasastha Temple- Achankovil, Kollam District Kerala 689696

Diety

Ayyappa

Introduction

Achankovil Temple or Achankovil Sri Dharmasastha Temple is one of the primary Lord Ayyappa temples in Kerala. Achankovil Shastha Temple is one of the five vital temples of Lord Ayyappan whose icons are sanctified by Lord Parasurama. The other four temples are Aryankavu Sastha Temple, Kulathupuzha Temple, Kanthamala Temple and Sabarimala Temple. Achankovil Temple is around 17 km from Kottarakkara in Kollam District of Kerala. Achankovil Temple is 950 mtrs range from the ocean level. The temple holds a number of sub-deities like Malikappurathamma, Durga, Nagaraja, Nagayakshi, Ganapathi, Muruga, Karuppaswami, Karuppayi amma, Cheppanimundan, Chappanimaadan, Madanthevan, Kalamadan, Kochattinarayanan, Shingali bhootathan and Arukola. The back portion of the temple has a Kavu where the Naga (serpent) deity is worshipped for the welfare and sake.

Puranic Significance

The managing divinity of this temple is Lord Ayyappa. The symbol introduced in the temple is accepted to be the most established vigraha introduced by Parasurama. The temple cherishes Lord Sree Dharma Sastha alongside his two consorts Poorna and Pushkala in Grihasta Ashram (as a family man). The icon of Swamy Ayyappan in the temple is known as “Rudraksha Sila” and is known for its inexplicable mending power for snake venom. The left hand of the icon of Ayyappa at Achankovil Temple holds sandalwood glue (Chandan) and sacred water (Tirtha). The chandan and Thirtha are said to have therapeutic properties for curing harmful snake nibbles. The temple holds various sub-gods like Malikappurathamma, Durga, Nagaraja, Nagayakshi, Ganapathi, Muruga, Karuppaswami, Karuppayi amma, Cheppanimundan, Chappanimaadan, Madanthevan, Kalamadan, Kochattinarayanan, Shingali bhootathan and Arukola. The back bit of the temple has a Kavuwhere the Naga (serpent) divinity is revered for the welfare and purpose.

Beliefs

Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment, To cured of various poisonous bites.

Special Features

The Achankovil Sastha Temple is famous for curing poisonous snake bites. According to Hindu belief the Planet Saturn has much effect on humans and bad effects known as ‘Sani Dosham’ will be removed or the power of its bad effects will be lessened by praying and worshiping at Achankovil Dharma Sastha temple. Lord Sastha / Ayyappa is considered as the God governing planet Saturn. As in Sabarimala temple, Achankovil temple also have eighteen steps. Lord Ayyappa / Aiyanar presides there in the form of grihastha (householder) and the idol faces east. It is believed to installed by Lord Parasurama himself. The pratishta of Lord Ayyappa here is quite unique from that of other Sastha shrines in Kerala. The idol is known as Rudraksha sila.

Festivals

The Thiruvutsavam (yearly celebration) and Mandala pooja is facilitated in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December to January) for 10 days and celebrated in great style. The Thiruvabharanam (holy trimmings) parade to the temple by means of Punalur, Aryankavu, Shenkottai and Tenkasi is another fascination. Pushpabhisheka is led on eighth of Makaram. Revathi celebration is facilitated amid the times of January and February. The fundamental offering of the divinity during this celebration is Karuppanootu to pacify Karuppaswami, an awesome companion of Ayyappa. The Therottam (chariot celebration), Karuppanthullal and Chapparam parade hung on the ninth day of celebration are especially like the ceremonies in Tamil Nadu.