Temples In India

Kerala Sri Dharma Shastha Temple

Sri Dharma Shastha Temple is among one of the most famous five ancient temples of Kerala. It represents the Saiva and Vaishnava believers. The temple is also famous as "The Lord Ayyappan Temple" and is basically visited by the Ayyappan devotees all throughout the Mandal- Makaravilaku season. The presiding idol worshipped in the temple is of Shri Dharma Sastha accompanied by his consort 'Prabha' and their son 'Sathyaka'.

History

The dharma shatha temple is a very ancient one and is to believe to be constructed by the famous Raja of Pandalam. But after several years of construction a Brahmin from Kottarkkara found an idol there called "Manikandan" and started worshipping there for a long time hearing to which the King of Kottarakkara constructed the present temple. It is also believed that Lord Rama along with his brother Lakshmana and wife Sita, and the whole vaanar sena, on their way back to The Ayodhaya after the conquest over Ravana, stopped at Sasthamcotta to give their worship to Shri Dharma Sastha.

How To Reach

It is situated in a forest range in the Thiruvananthapuram- at the Shenkottai road at Kulathupuzha which is 60 km north-east of Thiruvananthapuram and is 64 km east of Kollam.  Some frequent buses can be accessed easily from Kollam to Kulathupuzha. The famous temple can also be reached through the railway station of Thenmala, which is just 10kms from the temple.

Best Time To Visit

The Vishu Mahotsavam is being celebrated as the most important festival in the month of April/May. Also those who prayers for a child carry out a 'Noomm Paalum' (a process of offering to the Nagarajas situated near the temple, on the fourth day of the Meda Month) . These are the best time to visit the temple.

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