Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Dharmasastha Temple- Kerala

Address

Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Dharmasastha Temple- National Highway 220, Pandalam Rd, Kerala 689501

Deity

Ayyappa

Introduction

• Location: Pandalam Ayyappa Temple is nestled between Thottakkonam and Mulampuzha villages in Pandalam, Kerala.
• Presiding Deity: Lord Ayyappa is worshipped as the main deity, believed to protect devotees from miseries in Kali Yuga. He is known by various names, including Dharmasasta, Manikandan, Bhutanathan, Pandala Raja, and Pamba Vaasan.
• Mythological Origin: Ayyappa was born from the combined energies of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, who took on the form of Mohini to defeat the demon Mahishi.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Context: The temple was historically significant to the Pandalam dynasty, established around 79 ME (903 AD) as descendants of the Pandya kings of Madurai. The royal family settled in Pandalam after a century of movement.
• Royal Connections: The King of Pandalam assisted Marthanda Varma in conquering the Kayamkulam province, leading to a lasting alliance. The kingdom extended over 1,000 square miles and integrated numerous temples into the Travancore region.
• Temple Renovation: The temple’s idol was erected in 1910, and after a fire in 1971, it underwent significant renovations.
• Mythological Legend: Leela, the daughter of Galavamuni, was cursed and reborn as Mahishi, a demon with a buffalo’s face. After being killed by Lord Ayyappa, she was freed from her curse but was allowed to remain in Sabarimala, as Ayyappa was a Brahmachari.

Beliefs

• Devotee Aspirations: Visitors come to the temple seeking protection from suffering and to fulfill their spiritual desires.

Special Features

• Vavur Shrine: It is believed that Lord Ayyappa instructed the Pandalam king to construct a temple for Vavur at Erumuli, with the deity’s origins tracing back to ancient times.
• Representation: The shrine features a carved stone slab as the representation of the deity instead of a distinguishable idol.
• Protection Beliefs: Devotees believe that the deity safeguards them from evil spirits prevalent in the forests.
• Kadutha’s Legacy: Kadutha, a legendary warrior, is credited with aiding the Pandalam king in overcoming various enemies, adding to the temple’s rich lore.

Festivals

• Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku: The festival season, spanning from November to January, sees a massive influx of pilgrims visiting the temple.
• Annual Festival: Celebrated in the month of Kumbha (February-March), the yearly festival draws numerous devotees and adds vibrancy to the temple’s spiritual atmosphere.

Century/Period/Age

903 AD

Managed By

Travancore Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Chengannur

Nearest Railway Station

Chengannur

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram

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