Kulathupuzha Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple/ Sree Bala Sastha Temple – Kerala

Address

Kulathupuzha Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple/ Sree Bala Sastha Temple – Kerala

Deity

Ayyappa

Introduction

• Temple Name: Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple
• Location: On the banks of the Kulathupuzha River, a tributary of Kallada River, in Punalur taluk, Kollam district, Kerala
• Presiding Deity: Lord Ayyappa in the form of Balasastha (child form of Ayyappa)
• Significance: One of the pancha sastha shrines and one of the 108 Sastha shrines in Kerala
• Idol Composition: Made up of eight pieces of stones; believed to be installed by Lord Parashurama
• Architecture: Constructed in the traditional Kerala style of temple architecture

Puranic Significance

• Deity Description:
  • Known as ‘Kulathupuzha Balakan’
  • Features both fierce (ugramoorthi) and auspicious (mangalapradayakan) moods
• Cultural Reference:
  • Associated with the song ‘Kulathupuzhayile Balakane,’ praising the deity
  • Venerated along with deities from Achankovil, Aryankavu, Sasthamcotta, Chamravattom, and Sabarimala
• Temple Pond:
  • Home to fish known as Thirumakkal (Sacred children of the Lord)
  • Special ritual: Meenoottu (feeding of the fishes)
• Other Deities: Lord Shiva, Ganapathi, and Karuppaswamy are also worshipped in the temple premises
• Legend:
  • The idol was revealed when a Brahmin, while bathing, saw a stone break into eight pieces, which later formed the idol of Manikantan
  • The temple is believed to be over 700 years old and has historical ties with the Kingdom of Travancore
  • A unique ritual called “Thiru-kalyanam” (the wedding of Ayyappa) occurs during the Sabarimala pilgrimage, depicting a betrothal ceremony.

Special Features

• Unique Idol: Made of eight pieces of stone; installed by Lord Parasurama
• Fishing Belief: The fishes in the area are considered devotees of Dharma Sastha, and fishermen avoid catching them
• Pilgrimage Significance: The temple sees heavy crowds during the Mandalam period as devotees visit for Shabarimala.

Festivals

• Major Festival: Vishu Mahotsavam, celebrated in April

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 Years old

Managed By

Malabar Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Kulathupuzha

Nearest Railway Station

Kollam

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram

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