Ammachiveedu Muhurthi Temple
This is Temple Located in the Kollam District. It is thought to have been founded by the Ammachi Veedu family ("Ammachi Veedu" means "Ammachi home"), aristocrats from Kollam.
The Ammachiveedu Muhurthi's Garbhagriha is small, measuring only 4 feet by 4 feet, by 6 feet tall. The temple has a Peedam (small platform), clad with silver plate, upon which the deity stands. Two Shankha, in golden covers, are placed over the Peedam. The Ammachiveedu Muhurthi temple has no main idol and is dedicated to the guru (teacher) of the Dharmaśāsta, of the Shasthamkotta temple, about 35 km away. The deity is worshipped by the name Moorthy Amma, which denotes the absence of an idol.
The deity was entrusted to the elders of the Ammachi Veedu family as a recognition of the marriage ceremonies carried out at the temple, and they are now also revered as "Brahma Rakshas" on the right hand of the deity. Because the deity of the temple has the status of a guru, members of the family are prohibited from entering the premises of the Shasthamkotta temple. The Ammachiveedu Muhurthi temple has no caste bar, and is used by worshippers of various castes and creeds. By an agreement, members of Ammachiveedu must not make a pilgrimage to Sabarimala.
The temple has a number of other deities seated outside. Adjoining the temple there is a Sarpakavu, or snake grove.
Another unique feature of this temple is that there is a deity, Djinn, is placed outside the temple premises and is worshipped by the Muslim community.
Location
Kaikulangara Devi Nagar
Main Deity
Guru of Dharma Sastha - No Idol
Other Deities
Lord Ganesha, Rektha Chamundi, Paramparu, Yakshi, Marutha, Rakshas, Gandharvan, Vethalam, Yogeshwaran, Djinn, Parappooramma Bhagavathi, Nagaraja, Nagayakshi, and Naga Kanyaka.
Festivals
The temple's main annual festival falls during Dhanu, which runs from mid-December to early January, and is always held after the Mandala Puja at the Sabarimala Dharma Shastra temple. On the 10th day, the Karanavan (the eldest male in the family) conducts the puja in the Kalam specially prepared for the purpose, when boiled Ninam is offered to the deity.
Main Offerings
Ganapathi Homam, Bhagavathy Seva, Muzhukkappu to Ganapathy, Palpayasam, Vidyarambam, Thulabharam, Kunjoonu, Malarnivedyam, Meni payasam, Abhishekas, Sarpa Bali (sacrifice for snakes), Noorum Palum (making offerings to snakes), Ayilyam Oottu, Panthirunazhi are the important offerings in this famous temple.
How To Reach
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is situated at 69.1KM from the temple.
By Rail: Kollam Railway Station is 5KM from the Temple.
By Road: Kollam KSRTC Bus Station is 2.4KM from the Temple.