Sasthakulam Devi Temple

Vechoor, Kumarakom, Dist. Kottayam.

Sasthakulam Devi Temple is a well-known Hindu temple located at Vechoor, near Vaikom in Kottayam district, Kerala. Surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings, the temple is an important place of worship and is held in high regard by devotees.

According to historical records and local beliefs, the origin of Sasthakulam Devi Temple is believed to date back to the Chera period. Historical studies suggest that the temple was established by the famous Chera king, Cheran Chenguttuvan, in honour of Kannaki, the heroine of the Tamil epic Silappathikaram, who is worshipped here in the form of Bhadrakali. Based on these accounts, the temple is believed to be more than 1,800 years old. It is regarded as one of the oldest Devi temples in Vechoor, which was once part of the former Vadakkumkoor kingdom and was an important place of worship during the rule of the Vadakkumkoor kings. One of the temple’s unique features is the equal importance given to both Sastha and Bhagavathi within the same temple complex, a tradition believed to reflect the worship practices and architecture of the Chera period. The Sreekovils and Chuttambalam, which had deteriorated over time, were later restored while preserving the temple’s traditional architectural style. Today, the temple is managed by the Vaikom Group of the Travancore Devaswom Board, with the support of the local Temple Advisory Committee in overseeing its daily activities and festivals.

The main legend associated with the temple is connected with Parashurama. According to local belief, after creating Kerala, Parashurama had a vision of Goddess Durga about one kilometre south of the present temple. It is believed that he later consecrated the Goddess at the present site with the same divine presence. Local traditions also speak of mysterious underground chambers and hidden passages within the temple, which are believed to lead to the ancient temple pond and sacred places. Devotees believe that the temple came to be known as ‘Sasthakulam’ because of the presence of Sastha on the bank of this sacred pond.

The temple’s main entrance faces east and serves as the main gateway for devotees. The other three sides are enclosed by high compound walls with entrance gates. Outside the temple stands a large banyan tree with a raised platform around it, adding to the traditional Kerala temple setting. Beside the temple complex is the historic Sasthakulam, an ancient pond from which the temple is believed to have derived its name. The temple stands within a spacious, lush green complex. After passing through the main gopuram, devotees are welcomed by the majestic golden flagstaff.

One of the temple’s unique features is the presence of two main Sreekovils of equal size and importance within the same Nalambalam, a rare feature in Kerala temple architecture. The temple is believed to have been designed based on the concept of the Sreechakra. The square-shaped Sreekovils have traditional roofs with beautiful wooden carvings and decorative details. One Sreekovil is dedicated to Goddess Durga, worshipped in the form of Bhadrakali, while the other is dedicated to Dharma Sastha. Lord Ganapathi is enshrined in the south-west corner of the Nalambalam, facing east. Outside the temple wall, Nagaraja and Nagayakshi are worshipped at a separate naga shrine in the north-west corner, while a shrine for Rakshass is situated on the southern side of the temple complex.

The temple’s main festival is the eight-day Meena Bharani festival, celebrated during the Malayalam month of Meenam (March–April). The festival begins with the ceremonial flag hoisting, led by the thantris of Bhadrakali Mattappally Mana. One of its unique traditions is that a member of the Muslim Vazhakkoottam family fires the first ceremonial shot during the flag hoisting, symbolising religious harmony. During the festival, special poojas, Pallivetta, Arattu, Thottampattu, Thalappoli, Theyyam and other traditional cultural programmes are held. Other important occasions celebrated at the temple include Thrikkarthika in the month of Vrischikam, the Mandala season dedicated to Dharma Sastha, Navaratri, Vijayadashami, Vidyarambham and the annual consecration day, all marked by special poojas and Kalashabhishekam.

One of the temple’s main offerings is Poovumoodal, in which the idol of the Goddess is completely covered with flowers before the noon pooja. Devotees also perform Muttarukkal, an offering believed to remove obstacles in life. Other important offerings to the Goddess include Kadumpayasam, Lalitha Sahasranama Archana and Kalam Ezhuthu and Paattu during the Mandala season and festival days. Neeranjanam and Neyyabhishekam during the Mandala–Makaravilakku season are the main offerings to Dharma Sastha. Malar Nivedyam and Ganapathi Homam are performed every morning, while Noorum Paalum and Ayilya Pooja are offered to the naga deities for relief from Sarpa Dosha.

The temple opens daily at 05:00 AM with Nirmalya Darshan. This is followed by Malar Nivedyam and Usha Pooja at 05:30 AM, Ganapathi Homam at 05:45 AM, Ethrithu Pooja at 07:30 AM and Pantheeradi Pooja at 08:30 AM. The noon pooja is held at 10:00 AM, after which the temple closes. The temple reopens at 05:00 PM, followed by Deeparadhana at 06:30 PM, Athazha Pooja at 07:30 PM and Thrippuka at 08:00 PM, after which the temple closes for the day. On special occasions such as Vidyarambham, Navaratri, the Mandala season and the Meena Bharani festival, the pooja schedule and closing times may vary. Devotees wishing to offer Poovumoodal or Muttarukkal are advised to reach the temple before 09:30 AM, prior to the noon pooja.

Key highlight :-

• Located 10 km from Vaikom, 12 km from Cherthala and 7 km from Kumarakom.
• The nearest railway station is Cherthala Railway Station, about 13 km away.
• KSRTC and local bus services are available to the temple from Vaikom, Kottayam and Cherthala.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available in the nearby towns.