Temples In India

Kerala Shree Dharma Sastha Temple

The Ayyappan is a small temple but is believed to have great significance among the people of Kerala. It is located on the banks of Kulathupuzha that is a tributary of Kallada River inside a reserve forest in the Kollam district of the holy state of Kerala.

History

The uniqueness of Lord Ayyappa lies in the wonderful incorporation of ideas from different religions like Buddhism, Shaivism, Vaishnivism, Jainism and also Islam. In the olden days, the Ayyappan devotees made pilgrimage to the hills irrespective of their caste and creed to seek the blessings of Lord Ayyappa. For the same reason till now people of all castes and creed are united here as a devotee of Lord Ayyappa.

Significance

The temple hosts two important deities one of them is Lord Shiva and other one is Shasta. The shrines are commonly known as Dharma Shasta. There is a stone image of Manikantan, the child form of Lord Shasta. Lord Shiva is in the form of a Shiva Linga. Feeding the fishes in the nearest river is considered to be holy and is an important ritual. This event is called 'vazhipadu'.

Best Time to Visit

The temple is well connected through all forms of transport. Convenient airway, railway and roadway options make it easily accessible. This holy place can be visited at any time of the year. However, Ayyappan devotees prefer to visit the place in the Mandala-Makaravilaku season.

Photo Gallery