Achankovil Sri Dharmasastha Temple- Kerala

Address

Achankovil Sri Dharmasastha Temple- Achankovil, Kollam District Kerala 689696

Deity

Ayyappa

Introduction

• Temple Name: Achankovil Temple (Achankovil Sri Dharmasastha Temple)
• Significance: One of the primary Lord Ayyappa temples in Kerala
• Location: Approximately 17 km from Kottarakkara, Kollam District, Kerala
• Elevation: 950 meters above sea level
• Sub-Deities:
  • Malikappurathamma
  • Durga
  • Nagaraja
  • Nagayakshi
  • Ganapathi
  • Muruga
  • Karuppaswami
  • Karuppayi amma
  • Cheppanimundan
  • Chappanimaadan
  • Madanthevan
  • Kalamadan
  • Kochattinarayanan
  • Shingali bhootathan
  • Arukola
• Kavu: A sacred grove behind the temple for worshipping the Naga deity

Puranic Significance

• Presiding Deity: Lord Ayyappa (Sree Dharma Sastha)
• Historical Icon: Believed to be the oldest vigraha introduced by Parasurama
• Idol Description:
  • Known as “Rudraksha Sila”
  • Holds sandalwood glue (Chandan) and sacred water (Tirtha)
  • Known for its healing properties for snake venom
• Worship: The temple features various sub-gods as mentioned above.

Beliefs

• Devotees’ Purpose: Seek fulfillment and healing from poisonous bites.

Special Features

• Curing Properties: Famous for treating snake bites
• Astrological Beliefs: Praying here is believed to alleviate bad effects of “Sani Dosham” (Saturn’s influence)
• Steps: Eighteen steps leading to the sanctum, similar to Sabarimala
• Unique Idol: Ayyappa is worshipped as a householder (grihastha) facing east, believed to be installed by Lord Parasurama.

Festivals

• Thiruvutsavam: Annual celebration in Malayalam month of Dhanu (December to January) for 10 days
• Thiruvabharanam: Holy trimmings parade through Punalur, Aryankavu, Shenkottai, and Tenkasi
• Pushpabhisheka: Conducted on the eighth of Makaram
• Revathi Celebration: Held in January and February, featuring Karuppanootu offerings
• Chariot Festival (Therottam): Includes Karuppanthullal and Chapparam parade, resembling ceremonies in Tamil Nadu

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 Years old

Managed By

Malabar Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Achankovil

Nearest Railway Station

Mavelikara

Nearest Airport

Thiruvanthanapuram

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