Sree Rakthakanda Swamy Temple
The temple is a pilgrim centre on the way to Sabarimala from Pandalam. The temple is dedicated to Lord Dharma Shastha in the form of Sree Rakthakanda Swamy. The temple is one among the most renowned Shastha Temples in Kerala.
The temple deity is considered the owner of the place Omalloor. Legend has it that his Moolasthana was at Kalleli nearly 20Kms east of Pathanamthitta town. The then king who had the procession of the idol got displeased at the deity for his misfortunes and threw the idol away in the Achenkovil River. The divine spirit floated downstream as a Lotus. When it reached the Kadavu (Ferry Slip) of Sri Ozhuvathu Devi Temple, A woman belonging to Kariyathil Nair tharavadu, collected the lotus and placed it in a flat vessel. Later when she attempted to lift the flat vessel, they were unable to move it. It was stuck to the spot. When the Devaprashanm was done by the astrologer, it was identified that there was divine presence of Sri Rakthakanda Swami, and the deity was given a place in the temple. It is also an Idathavalam (halting camp) for the Shabarimala pilgrims.
The temple has Nadaswaram musical instrument (Traditional double reed wind instrument from South India), Kalchangala (Chain), and Mani (bell) carved out of granite stone.
Another specialty is the number of marriages that takes place in the temple. Omallur Temple stands second to Guruvayoor when it comes to the number of marriages conducted per day.
Location
Omalloor
Main Deity
Lord Aiyyappa
Other Deities
Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Yakshi and Naga Devatas.
Festivals
The Temple is famous for its annual festival of 10 days in the month of Medom (April-May) of Malayalam Era.
Main Offerings
Neeranjanam.
How To Reach
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport situated at 105KM from the temple.
By Road: Pathanamthitta KSRTC bus station is 4.2KM from the temple.
By Rail: Chengannur Railway Station is 25.2KM from the temple.