Sree Bhoothanatha Swami Temple

Vendar, Kottarakkara, Dist. Kollam.

Vendar Sree Bhoothanatha Swamy Temple is a well-known Hindu temple located at Vendar, near Kottarakkara in Kollam district, Kerala. The main deity of the temple is Sree Bhoothanathan (Lord Ayyappa/Sastha). Built in the traditional Kerala style of temple architecture, the temple stands in a scenic natural setting. It is one of the important pilgrimage centres in the Kottarakkara region and attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year for worship and offerings.

The history of Vendar Sree Bhoothanatha Swamy Temple is associated with the period of the Elayadathu Swarupam (Kottarakkara Royal Family), who ruled the Kottarakkara region. It is believed that many ancient temples in the area, including the Kottarakkara Ganapathy Temple, were built during their reign or under their patronage. The temple is also believed to have been established with the permission of the royal family or under the leadership of the prominent Manakkarakkavu and Moorthikkavu Nair families. The temple later developed from the ancient sacred groves of Moorthikkavu and Manakkarakkavu, where the idol of Lord Bhoothanathan was installed on the hilltop. Although Bhoothanathan is worshipped as Lord Sastha (Ayyappa), the temple also gives importance to the concept of Lord Shiva as the Lord of the Bhoothaganas. Built in the traditional Kerala style of temple architecture, the Sreekovil and Nalambalam are constructed mainly of granite and timber and are estimated to be over 200 to 300 years old. The 329 steps leading to the hilltop temple are another notable feature. In 2011, the temple was extensively renovated while preserving its traditional character. Since then, the daily rituals and temple administration have become more organised. At present, the temple is administered by the  with the support of the local Temple Advisory Committee.

According to legend, the temple stands on a sacred rock believed to have been carried through the sky by Lord Shiva’s Bhoothaganas (divine attendants). It is believed that a devout sage received a divine vision of this sacred place in a dream and later installed and began worshipping Lord Sastha there in the form of Lord Shiva. Another legend says that two divine devotees of Lord Shiva, while travelling through the sky, were drawn to the sanctity of this hill and established a shrine at the site. These legends are also closely connected with the ancient sacred groves in the area where the temple is located. According to local belief, Lord Sastha was installed on the hilltop to honour the natural guardian spirits and the Bhoothaganas and to ensure the well-being of the land and its people. Devotees also believe that the deity came to be known as ‘Bhoothanathan’ because he is regarded as the Lord of the Bhoothaganas.

The temple complex stands like a fort on top of a large green hill and can be seen from a distance. Devotees reach the temple by climbing 329 concrete steps, which are provided with handrails on both sides for safety. A traditional entrance gateway welcomes visitors at the foot of the steps, while a beautifully designed gopuram stands at the top. On entering the temple courtyard, the first structure seen is the large Balikkal (sacrificial stone). A granite-paved path around the Nalambalam is provided for circumambulation. Built in the traditional Kerala style of temple architecture using timber and granite, the Nalambalam is one of the main architectural features of the temple.

The main Sreekovil of the temple is built in a square plan. It has a granite base, a roof covered with copper sheets and a Thazhikakkudam at the top. In front of the Sreekovil are granite Sopanam steps, a Pranalam with a carved Vyali (mythical creature) face and Dwarapalaka sculptures on either side of the entrance. The main deity, Lord Bhoothanathan, is a granite idol facing east with a calm and meditative appearance. Although worshipped as Lord Sastha (Ayyappa), the deity is also closely associated with the concept of Lord Shiva as the Lord of the Bhoothaganas. Within the Nalambalam, Lord Ganapathy is enshrined in the Kannimoola (south-west corner). The temple complex also has shrines dedicated to Bhagavathy, Yakshiyamma, Nagaraja and Nagayakshi, reflecting the temple’s long-standing worship traditions and its connection with the region’s ancient sacred grove culture.

The temple’s main annual festival is usually celebrated during the Malayalam month of Meenam (March–April). The celebrations begin with Chandraponkala, followed by the flag hoisting ceremony, special poojas, the Thiruvabharana procession, Chenda Melam, Panchavadyam, Kathakali, Chakyar Koothu and various cultural performances. The ten-day festival concludes with the Arattu ceremony. One of the main highlights of the festival is Lakshadeepam, during which thousands of oil lamps are lit around the Nalambalam. The Mandala–Makaravilakku season, observed from the 1st of Vrischikam to the 11th of Dhanu, is also of great importance. During this period, special poojas, Neyyabhishekam and bhajans are conducted and the temple serves as one of the main Kettunira centres for Ayyappa devotees travelling to Sabarimala. In addition, special Ayilyam poojas and Sarpabali are performed for the Naga deities every month on the Ayilyam star, while Maha Ganapathy Homam and special offerings are conducted on Vinayaka Chaturthi.

The main offerings at the temple include Neyyabhishekam, Aravana Payasam, Appam, Kadumpayasam, Pushpanjali, Vedivazhipadu, Ashtabhishekam, Neerajanam (sesame oil lamp), Ganapathy Homam and Noorum Palum. Devotees offer Neyyabhishekam to seek peace of mind, prosperity and divine blessings. Aravana Payasam and Appam are offered for the fulfilment of wishes, Kadumpayasam for the well-being of the family, Pushpanjali for general prosperity and blessings and Vedivazhipadu in fulfilment of vows. Ashtabhishekam is performed for good health and prosperity, while Neerajanam is offered for relief from the adverse effects of Saturn (Shani). Ganapathy Homam is performed to remove obstacles and ensure success and Noorum Palum is offered to the Naga deities for relief from Naga Dosha and for the well-being of the family.

The temple opens daily at 5:00 AM with Nirmalya Darshan. This is followed by Abhishekams, including Neyyabhishekam, at 5:30 AM, Usha Pooja at 6:00 AM and Ucha Pooja at 8:30 AM. The temple closes at 10:00 AM. It reopens at 5:00 PM, followed by Deeparadhana at 6:30 PM and Athazha Pooja at 7:30 PM. The temple closes for the day at 8:00 PM after the chanting of Harivarasanam. During the Mandala–Makaravilakku season, the annual Meenam festival and other special occasions, pooja timings and closing hours may vary depending on the number of devotees.

Key highlight :-

• Located 5 km from Kottarakkara and 20 km from Adoor.
• The nearest railway station is Kottarakkara Railway Station, about 8 km away.
• KSRTC and local bus services are available to the temple.
• Private vehicles can be parked in the temple’s parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available in the nearby towns.
• Contact number +91 9846255702