Achankovil Sri Dharmasastha Temple
Achankovil Sastha Temple is a Hindu temple and one of the 108 Sasthalayas, located in Punalur Taluk tehsil of Kollam district in the Indian state of Kerala. An important river named after the locality, Achankovil river, originates near the temple. As in Sabarimala temple, Achankovil temple also have eighteen steps.
Lord Ayyappa / Aiyanar presides there in the form of grihastha (householder) and the idol faces east. It is believed to installed by Lord Parasurama himself. The pratishta of Lord Ayyappa here is quite unique from that of other Sastha shrines in Kerala. The idol is known as Rudraksha sila. He is depicted as a grihasthashrami (one who leads a married life) along with his two consorts Poorna and Pushkala. The temple is famed for curing poisonous Snakebites and thus Ayyappa is often portraited as a Mahavaidya (great physician). The right palm of the idol always keeps Chandanam (sandalwood paste) and Theertham (sacred waters) which is thought to have medicinal properties.
The temple is located near the banks of Achankovil river in the dense forest regions of eastern Kollam, about 50 km (31 mi) from Punalur, 85 km (53 mi) from Kollam and 62 km (39 mi) from Kulathupuzha via Aryankavu, Thenmala and Shenkottai. There is a route through the forest from Alimukku near Pathanapuram to the temple. The panoramic Kumbuvurutty and Manalar falls are on the route to this shrine.
The festivals and rituals held here have strong Tamil roots.
The Achankovil Sastha Temple is famous for curing poisonous snake bites. According to Hindu belief the Planet Saturn has much effect on humans and bad effects known as 'Sani Dosham' will be removed or the power of its bad effects will be lessened by praying and worshiping at Achankovil Dharma Sastha temple. Lord Sastha / Ayyappa is considered as the God governing planet Saturn.
Location
Achankovil Road
Main Deity
Lord Aiyyappa
Other Deities
Malikappurathamma, Durga, Nagaraja, Nagayakshi, Ganapathi, Muruga, Karuppaswami, Karuppayi amma, Cheppanimundan, Chappanimaadan, Madanthevan, Kalamadan, Kochattinarayanan, Shingali bhootathan, Nag and Arukola.
Festivals
The Annual festival known as Mandala Pooja is hosted in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December to January). Revathi pooja (Makaram) January and February, The Therottam (Chariot festival) held on the 9th day of Annual festival.
Main Offerings
The Annual festival known as Mandala Pooja is hosted in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December to January). Revathi pooja (Makaram) January and February, The Therottam (Chariot festival) held on the 9th day of Annual festival.
How To Reach
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is situated at 118KM from the temple.
By Rail: Punalur Railway Station is 43.5KM from the Temple.
By Road: Punalur KSRTC Station is 42.7KM from the Temple.