Kodamkulangara Sree Dharma Shastha Temple

Tripunithura, Dist. Ernakulam.

Kodamkulangara Sree Dharma Shastha Temple is a well-known Hindu place of worship located on the Eroor Road in Tripunithura, Ernakulam district. Lord Ayyappa, also known as Dharma Shastha, who is worshipped as the god and protector of dharma, is the main deity here. The temple is known for its centuries-old legends and traditional Kerala-style architecture. It has also been associated with the cultural and social development of the local area and is an important place of worship with historical and religious significance.

Although there are no inscriptions or palm-leaf records that give the exact year of construction, the temple is considered to be more than 800 years old and may have been established in the 12th or 13th century AD, based on its architectural style and historical background. The Shastha temple is thought to have existed here long before Tripunithura became a royal town and the Cochin royal family fully moved its capital here in the 18th century. The structure of the sanctum, the remains of the old chuttambalam and the large temple pond are in keeping with the temple architecture of medieval Kerala. As the temple is very old, renovation work has been carried out at different times to repair damage caused by age. The sanctums of the subsidiary deities, chuttambalam, main dining hall and large temple pond have all been renovated in different stages under the leadership of devotees and the local temple committee.

As Tripunithura was part of the Cochin kingdom, the administration and maintenance of the temple centuries ago are thought to have been overseen by prominent local Namboothiri families or important people connected with the Cochin royal family. As was the practice in many parts of Kerala, including Malabar and Travancore, most temples in earlier times were managed by Ooralars, such as local Brahmin families or local chieftains. At present, the temple’s daily affairs, rituals and festivals are managed under the leadership of a local temple advisory committee formed by local devotees and residents.

The main legend of the temple is connected with a sage who is said to have had a vision of Dharma Shastha. More than 800 years ago, the area where the temple now stands is said to have been covered by forest, where a yogi performed severe penance. It is believed that Dharma Shastha appeared before him, pleased with his penance. The yogi then installed Shastha at this sacred place and began worshipping the deity. According to the legend, the place gradually developed into the temple seen today. The yogi is still worshipped as one of the sub-deities at the Yogeeshwaran shrine. The name ‘Kodamkulangara’ is also said to be connected with the large pond beside the temple and the area around it.

As you approach the temple along Eroor Road, the main entrance gate and the traditional compound wall around it are the first features you notice. A large banyan tree providing shade, with a raised platform around it, stands near the entrance. A large temple pond beside the road is one of the main features of the temple grounds. After entering through the gate, you can see a covered walkway for devotees, with a large stone lamp in front of it, which is lit on special days. Further inside is the chuttambalam surrounding the main sanctum. With its tiled roof, this part of the temple follows the traditional Kerala style of temple architecture. Rows of wooden or iron lamp holders for placing clay lamps can also be seen along the walls of the chuttambalam.

The main sanctum is square in shape and has a simple, single-tiered sloping roof. The roof was formerly covered with clay tiles but was later replaced as part of renovation work. Its sloping design allows rainwater to drain quickly. A beautiful panchaloha finial is placed above the sanctum. The sanctum is reached by a stone flight of steps, with simple stone carvings on both sides. A small square mandapam in front of the sanctum is used by the priests for offering prayers and chanting mantras. The main deity is a beautiful black stone idol of Dharma Shastha. The deity is worshipped in the form of Dharma Shastha and is depicted seated in a yogic posture. According to devotees, the Lord is present here in a calm and pleasant form.

Kannimoola Ganapathy is installed at the south-western corner of the main sanctum. Yogeeshwaran, the sage associated with the temple’s legend, is worshipped at a separate shrine outside the chuttambalam. Outside the main chuttambalam, the naga shrine is located at the north-western corner of the outer circumambulatory path, a direction known as Vayukonam according to traditional Vastu principles. The shrine has idols of Nagaraja and Nagayakshi.

One of the main observances at the temple is the 41-day Mandala season, which runs from the first day of Vrischikam to Dhanu 11. Special poojas, devotional singing and circumambulatory lamp offerings are held during this period. Makara Vilakku is celebrated on the first day of Makaram, around the middle of January, with special Deeparadhana and Shastha songs. The annual Bhagavatha Sapthaham Yajnam lasts for seven days and includes Bhagavatha recitation, religious talks and annadanam. Vinayaka Chathurthi is celebrated with special importance at the Ganapathy shrine. An Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathy Homam is performed early in the morning to remove obstacles, and Puthari nivedyam is offered to devotees. Ramayana recitation is held every day during the month of Karkidakam. As Saturday is an important day for the worship of Shastha, the temple usually receives a larger number of devotees on Saturdays.

Among the main offerings to Dharma Shastha, Neeranjanam is an important offering performed to remove the effects of Sani dosha. It is performed by cutting a coconut in half, placing an sesame wick inside it, adding ghee and lighting it. Lighting sesame wicks is another important offering performed to seek relief from the difficulties caused by Sani dosha. Ghee Abhishekam is performed to please the deity, while Pushpanjali and Bhagya Suktha Pushpanjali are offered for good health, well-being and the fulfilment of wishes. Ganapathy Homam is performed early in the morning at the Ganapathy shrine to remove obstacles and difficulties in life. Offering a garland of karuka grass and presenting modakam and appam are also customary. Devotees offer lamps and garlands to Yogeeshwaran, who is associated with the temple’s legend. On Ayilyam star days, Noorum Paalum and turmeric powder abhishekam are offered at the naga shrine to seek relief from Rahu dosha and naga-related afflictions.

The daily pooja rituals begin at 05:30 AM with the opening of the temple and Nirmalya Darshanam. At 06:00 AM, Jalabhishekam is performed for the deity, followed by a flower offering. Ushapooja and nivedyam are offered at 07:00 AM, along with Ganapathy Homam. At 10:00 AM, Uchappooja and the main nivedyam are performed, followed by the closing of the temple at 10:30 AM. On Saturdays and Sundays, the temple remains open until 11:30 AM due to the larger number of devotees. The temple reopens at 05:30 PM for evening darshan. Deeparadhana is held at 06:30 PM, along with camphor aarati and the lighting of lamps. Neeranjanam and sesame lamp offerings are also usually made at this time. Athazha Pooja and nivedyam are performed at 07:30 PM, followed by Thrippuka and the closing of the temple at around 08:30 PM. On special days and Saturdays, the temple remains open until 09:00 PM.

Key highlight :-

• Located 2 km from Tripunithura, 5 km from Vyttila and 10 km Ernakulam south.
• 3 km from Tripunithura railway station and 10 km from Ernakulam junction railway station.
• 3 km from S N Junction metro station.
• KSRTC bus services are available to Tripunithura, from where the temple can be reached by local bus or auto-rickshaw.
• Private vehicles can be parked in the temple’s parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available near the temple.
• Contact number +91 4842784535.