Aryankavu Sastha Temple

Thirumangalam road, Aryankavu, Dist. Kollam.

Aryankavu Sastha Temple is an ancient and renowned pilgrimage centre located amidst the Western Ghats forests at Aryankavu in Kollam district, near the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border. Believed to be one of the five prominent Sastha temples (Pancha Sastha Temples) consecrated by Sage Parasurama, the temple is situated about 35 feet below the road level of the national highway. The presiding deity is Lord Dharma Sastha in his youthful form, facing east. The Kallada River flows near the temple. Similar to the customs followed at Sabarimala, women between the ages of 10 and 50 are not permitted inside the Nalambalam (inner courtyard). The temple is administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board and follows Kerala rituals within the Nalambalam, while Tamil traditions are observed during major festivals.
The exact date of construction of Aryankavu Sastha Temple remains unknown, as no inscriptions or definitive historical records have yet been discovered. However, historical studies and royal records indicate the temple’s great antiquity and significance. Situated at the strategic Aryankavu Pass in the Western Ghats, the temple was closely associated with the ancient trade route connecting Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Historians estimate that the sanctum and foundation of the temple are over a thousand years old.
The present structure reflects a unique blend of Kerala and Dravidian architectural styles. Historical references suggest that a major renovation was carried out by Mayal, the wife of Chinnananjan Pandyan of the Chokkampatti Zamindar family of Tamil Nadu. Landslides and subsequent road developments over the centuries are believed to have resulted in the temple being located about 35 feet below the present road level.
The temple enjoyed the patronage and protection of the Travancore royal family. Refer-ences to the temple also appear in records related to Saurashtrian silk merchants from Madurai who supplied silk garments to the Travancore palace. Aryankavu was an impor-tant border centre where trade agreements and territorial settlements were made between the Pandya rulers of Madurai and the rulers of Venad (later Travancore). It is believed that representatives of the Pandya kingdom were required to participate in the temple festival, a tradition remembered today through the ritual known as ”Pandyan Mudippu.”
The temple’s ancient mural paintings further testify to its rich heritage. Displaying artis-tic influences from the medieval period, these murals stand as enduring reminders of the temple’s long history. Aryankavu Sastha Temple continues to stand as a remarkable his-torical monument, reflecting centuries of cultural, political and commercial ties between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
According to local tradition, Lord Ayyappa was worshipped here as ”Thiru Aryan.” It is believed that the name ”Aryankavu” originated from ”the sacred grove (Kavu) of Thiru Aryan.” The principal legend of Aryankavu Dharma Sastha Temple is associated with the divine marriage (Thirukkalyanam) of Lord Ayyappa. While Lord Ayyappa is worshipped as a celibate deity at Sabarimala, he is believed to reside at Aryankavu with his consort Pushkala Devi.
According to legend, a Saurashtrian silk merchant from Madurai regularly traveled through the Aryankavu forest route to deliver silk garments to the Travancore royal palace. On one such journey, he was accompanied by his daughter, Pushkala. While traveling throughthe forest, they became stranded due to the presence of wild elephants and sought refuge at the shrine of Lord Sastha.
Since the merchant had to continue his journey to the palace, he left his daughter in the care of the temple priest. During her stay, Pushkala developed deep devotion to Lord Sastha. It is believed that Lord Ayyappa appeared before her in the form of a young hunter and eventually wished to marry her.
When the merchant returned, he understood his daughter’s devotion and the divine will of the Lord. Lord Ayyappa then appeared in his Kalyanasundara form and married Pushkala Devi. After the marriage, Pushkala is believed to have merged with the divine presence of the Lord. In remembrance of this event, Pushkala Devi is worshipped on the left side of the deity within the sanctum.
To commemorate this divine marriage, the famous ”Aryankavu Thirukkalyanam” festival is celebrated every year during the Malayalam month of Dhanu. It remains one of the most important rituals and festivals of the temple.
The architecture of Aryankavu Sri Dharma Sastha Temple possesses several unique fea-tures that distinguish it from other Sastha temples in Kerala. The temple is built on a natural slope of the Western Ghats, about 35 feet below road level. Devotees must descend from the road to reach the temple premises.
Like Sabarimala, the temple has eighteen sacred steps leading to the sanctum. Halfway down the steps are shrines dedicated to Karuppaswamy and Karuppayi Amma, the guardian deities of Lord Ayyappa. Before reaching the end of the steps, devotees can see the Thirukkalyana Mandapam, a monolithic ceremonial hall constructed in the Dravidian style.
The temple beautifully combines Kerala and Tamil Dravidian architectural traditions. While the inner structures follow Kerala temple architecture, the large stone pillars and mandapam display strong Dravidian influences, reflecting the artistic heritage of the Pandya rulers.
The sanctum is square in shape and exhibits classic Kerala architectural features, in-cluding intricate wooden carvings and a copper-plated roof. The walls surrounding the sanctum are adorned with beautiful medieval-style murals painted using natural pigments.
The presiding deity is Lord Dharma Sastha in his youthful form, facing east. Unlike most Sastha temples, the deity here is depicted seated on an elephant. Another unique feature is that the idol is slightly tilted towards the right instead of facing directly towards the entrance. Pushkala Devi is installed on the left side of the Lord, making this one of the rare temples where Lord Ayyappa is worshipped in a married form.
The original idol was believed to have been made of Anjana Pashanam, a sacred stone composition. After the original idol was damaged, a new Panchaloha (five-metal) idol was installed. However, the original idol continues to receive worship.
Aryankavu is also one of the rare temples where seven daily poojas are performed. Pre-serving its ancient traditions, architectural beauty and unique rituals, the temple con-tinues to be an important centre of faith and devotion.
The major festivals of Aryankavu Sri Dharma Sastha Temple are closely associated withthe Sabarimala pilgrimage season. The most important celebration is the ten-day annual festival held during the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December–January). On the seventh day, the ritual known as Pandyan Mudippu (engagement ceremony) is conducted, while the eighth day features the grand Thirukkalyanam (divine wedding) of Lord Sastha and Pushkala Devi. Members of the Saurashtrian Brahmin community from Tamil Nadu participate in this ceremony.
During the Mandala-Makaravilakku season from Vrischikam to Makaram (November–January), special poojas and offerings are conducted, attracting large numbers of devo-tees. Tuesdays and Saturdays are also considered especially auspicious, drawing many worshippers to the temple.
The temple’s major offerings include Neerajanam, Ellu Payasam (sesame pudding), Ghee Abhishekam, Pushpabhishekam, Aravana Payasam and Appam. Neerajanam and Ellu Payasam are particularly popular on Saturdays.
Devotees seeking relief from marriage-related obstacles and blessings for family life per-form Thirukkalyana Archana and offer silk cloth (Pattu Charthal) in the names of Lord Sastha and Pushkala Devi. Special offerings such as Karuppanootu and Vara Podi Samarpanam are also made to the guardian deities Karuppaswamy and Karuppayi Amma, especially during the annual festival.
The temple is open daily in two sessions. Morning darshan is available from 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM, while evening darshan is available from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The principal daily poojas include Usha Pooja, Ucha Pooja and Athazha Pooja. Usha Pooja is con-ducted at 6:40 AM, Ucha Pooja at 12:00 PM, Deeparadhana at 6:45 PM and Athazha Pooja at 7:45 PM. The temple closes at 8:00 PM.
During the Mandala-Makaravilakku season and the Dhanu month Thirukkalyanam fes-tival, temple timings and pooja schedules may be adjusted according to the influx of devotees. Special abhishekams and additional rituals are also conducted on important festival days.

Key highlight :-

• Located 34 km from Punalur, 22 km from Tenkasi and 17 km from Shenkottai.
  36 km from Punalur Railway Station.
• State Transport ( KSRTC ) and TNSTC buses are available to the temple.
• Private vehicles can be parked at the temple’s parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available in the nearby town.
• Women between the ages of 10 and 50 are not permitted to enter the Nalambalam (inner courtyard) of the temple.
• Contact number +91 18004254747