Mullackal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple

Thodupuzha, Dist. Idukki.

Mullaykkal Sree Dharmasastha Temple is an important place of worship located in Thodupuzha, Idukki district. Lord Ayyappa (Dharmasastha) is the main deity. The temple has a calm and devotional atmosphere. Special poojas and offerings are held during the Mandala season and on Saturdays and these periods usually see a larger number of devotees.

There are no clear historical records showing the exact year in which Mullaykkal Sastha Temple was built or the ruler during whose reign it was constructed. According to local historians, the temple is believed to be around 150 to 200 years old. Over the past 30–40 years, the local devotees’ committees and the Devaswom Board have worked together to renovate the Sreekovil and Chuttambalam in the traditional Kerala architectural style and improve the facilities. Before the Travancore administration took over the management of temples, this temple was maintained under the Ooralanma (local trusteeship) of some prominent Nair and Brahmin families from Thodupuzha and nearby areas. The local community was responsible for its management at that time. At present, the temple is administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board.

According to a local legend, when this area was once covered by forests, the local people installed Sastha as a guardian deity for protection from wild animals and thieves. Older generations also believed that Lord Sastha would ride around the temple on a horse at night and protect the area. There is also a legend behind the name ‘Mullaykkal’. It is locally believed that the idol of Lord Sastha was found in a sacred grove filled with wild jasmine plants (Mullakkad) and a temple was later built at the site. During the Mandala season, Kanniswamis (devotees undertaking their first pilgrimage to Sabarimala) and other devotees are believed to visit the temple to light a lamp and pray before beginning their pilgrimage, seeking a safe journey and the fulfilment of their wishes.

Mullaykkal Sree Dharmasastha Temple is situated in a peaceful setting away from the busy areas of Thodupuzha town. As one enters the temple from the road, the large Aanapandal in front of the main entrance is one of the first features to attract attention. Elephants are brought and stationed here during festivals and special occasions. A traditional compound wall made of laterite stone and coated with white cement surrounds the temple complex. The main entrance also features a beautiful Padippura with a tiled roof. Inside, the Kodimaram stands in front, surrounded by a large Vilakkumadam. When the lamps are lit in the evening, they add to the beauty of the temple surroundings. In front of the main shrine is a square-shaped Namaskara Mandapam with wooden pillars. Devotees perform the pradakshina through the Chuttambalam surrounding the main shrine, which also houses the Thidappalli, where offerings are prepared, the Saraswathi Mandapam and other areas.

The single-tiered main shrine is built in a simple and elegant square shape, reflecting the traditional Kerala style of architecture with minimal ornamentation. Its main features include laterite stone walls, a wooden roof and a tiled covering. A small Sopana made of carved black stone is located at the front, through which the Santhis enter for performing the poojas. Simple Dwarapalaka figures can be seen on either side of the doorway. Lord Dharmasastha is the main deity here, following a concept similar to the main deity at Sabarimala. The stone idol, carved from black stone, is seated in Yogapattasana and has a calm and pleasant appearance.

Lord Ganapathi is the main other deity in the temple. His shrine is located at the south-west corner of the main shrine within the Chuttambalam. The idols of the Naga deities, Nagaraja and Nagayakshi, are installed at the Nagathara in the north-west corner of the temple courtyard, outside the Chuttambalam.

The 41-day Mandala season, from Vrischikam 1 to Dhanu 11, is the main period of special observances at the temple. During these days, Kanniswamis and other devotees regularly visit the temple to wear the Mala and perform Kettunira as part of their preparations for the Sabarimala pilgrimage and the number of devotees also increases. Special poojas and Deeparadhana are held on Makara Sankranti in the Malayalam month of Dhanu. As Saturdays are considered important for Lord Sastha, devotees perform special Elluvilakku offerings and poojas for relief from Shani Dosha on these days. The Chirappu Mahotsavam, held in November–December as part of the Mandala season, is an important part of the annual Thiruvutsavam. During the festival, the Thidambu of the deity is carried in procession, along with special traditional musical performances, Thalappoli and special purification rituals led by the Thantri. Various cultural programmes by local artists and Bhajans are also organised during these days. For the Naga deities, special Naga Pooja and Noorum Paalum offerings are performed on the Ayilyam Nakshatra day every month. On Vinayaka Chathurthi in the Malayalam month of Chingam, a special Appam offering and Ganapathi Homam are performed for Lord Ganapathi.

Elluvilakku, also known as Neerajanam, is one of the main offerings performed at Sastha temples for relief from Shani Dosha. It is performed by tying sesame seeds in a small cloth and lighting them with gingelly oil in a coconut shell or earthen lamp. There is usually a larger number of devotees for this offering, especially on Saturdays. Ellupayasam and Kaduthupayasam are also offered to the deity as Nivedyam. As part of Neelanjanam, those experiencing Shani Dasa or Shani Dosha offer a blue silk cloth to the deity and perform Pushpanjali using blue butterfly pea flowers. Sabarimala pilgrims and other devotees also offer ghee for Neyyabhishekam. Kootu Ganapathi Homam is performed for Lord Ganapathi for the removal of obstacles, while Pushpanjali offerings such as Samanya Pushpanjali, Bhagya Sukta Pushpanjali and Shani Dosha Nivarana Pushpanjali can also be performed for well-being and good health. Archana offerings such as Ashtothara Shathanamarchana and Sahasranamarchana are also among the main offerings at the temple.

The temple is open for general darshan from 05:30 AM to 09:45 AM and from 05:30 PM to 07:30 PM from Monday to Friday and on Sundays. On Saturdays, darshan is available from 05:30 AM to 10:45 AM and from 05:30 PM to 07:30 PM. The timings of poojas and darshan may change during the Mandala season, Uthram Thirunal and other important special occasions.

Key highlight :-

• Located 20 km from Muvattupuzha, 28 km from Pala and 57 km from Kochi.
• 30 km from Vaikom road railway station.
• KSRTC and local bus facilities are available to the temple.
• Private vehicles can be parked in the temple’s parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available near the temple.