Aryankavu Ayyappa Temple / Sree Dharma Sastha Temple- Kerala

Address

Aryankavu Ayyappa Temple / Sree Dharma Sastha Temple- Aryankavu, , Puliyarai R.F. Kollam District, Kerala, India, Pin Code – 691309.

Deity

Ayyappa

Introduction

• Temple Name: Sri Dharma Sastha Temple (Ayyappa Temple)
• Location: Aryankavu, Kollam district, Kerala
• Distance: 79 km from Kollam, 35 km east of Punalur
• Name Origin: Derived from “Aryan” (Lord Sastha or Ayyappa) and “Kavu” (holy forest)
• Significance: One of the five Sastha temples established by Parasurama for the welfare of Kerala
• Other Notable Temples: Includes temples at Achankovil, Kulathupuzha, Sabarimala, and Kanthamala

Puranic Significance

• Deity Depiction: Ayyappa as a young boy sitting on an elephant; flanked by his consort Prabha and Lord Shiva
• Temple Architecture:
  • Built in the traditional styles of Kerala and Tamil Nadu
  • Shrine located approximately 35 ft below road level
  • Preserves several murals of deities
• Rituals: Daily poojas and rituals follow Tamil traditions
• Access Restrictions: Similar to Sabarimala, women aged 10 to 50 are not allowed inside
• Legend: Ayyappan’s marriage to Shri Pushkaladevi commemorated by the Thrikalyanam Festival

Beliefs

• Devotee Aspirations: Seek matrimonial boons and relief from Sani Dosham (Saturn afflictions)

Special Features

• Temple Reputation: One of the five most important Ayyappa temples in Kerala
• Idol Significance: Idol consecrated by sage Parashurama; Ayyappa referred to as Tiru Aryan
• Unique Feature: Shrine constructed about 35 ft below road level with Ayyappa in the middle, flanked by Parvathi and Shiva

Festivals

• Major Festivals:
  • Mandalapooja: Celebrated during December-January
  • Thrikalyanam: Commemorates the marriage of Lord Sastha and Pushkaladevi; rituals align with Sourashtra Brahmin traditions
• Other Festivals: Painguni and Kumbhabhishekam

Century/Period/Age

1000- 2000 Years old

Managed By

Malabar Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Aryankavu

Nearest Railway Station

Kollam

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram

lightuptemple