Aryankavu Sastha Temple


Aryankavu Sastha Temple a Hindu temple and one among the 108 Sastha shrines in the Indian state of Kerala. The idol here is believed to be consecrated by sage Parashurama. It is also one among Pancha Sastha temples in Kerala located in the Pathanapuram tehsil of Kollam district, in the eastern forest ranges.

Temple

The pratishta here is quite different from that of Achankovil, Kulthupuzha and Sabarimala temples. Ayyappa is depicted as a young boy sitting on an elephant with right leg hanging and left leg being in a folded position, along with his consort Prabha on the left side and Lord Shiva on the right. As in Sabarimala, the temple too have 18 steps. The temple built in the traditional architectural styles of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu preserves several murals of Hindu deities. Another feature of the temple is that it is built 35 feet below the road level. The Poojas and rituals conducted in the temple is very much similar to the Tamil traditions as it is located near the border of two states.

Behind the name

The name 'Aryankavu' is believed to be originated from the words "Aryan" which generally denotes the deity Sastha and 'Kavu' being the place where he is worshipped. The deity here is also known as Tiru Aryan.

Location

The temple is located in the eastern side of Kollam district of the state of Kerala.it is near to the border of neighbouring Tamil Nadu on the Kollam - Tenkasi national highway, about from Kollam city, from Punalur, from Tenkasi and from Shenkottai. People from south can approach the temple via Thiruvananthapuram - Thenmala - Shenkottai highway. The nearest railhead is at Aryankavu and New Aryankavu on Kollam-Shecottai line.

Subordinate deities

The temple has separate shrines for Valiyakadutha, Karuppaswami and Karuppayiamma below the holy steps.

Festivals

The temple has two main annual festivals mainly the Mandalapooja and Trikkalyanam. The other noted festivals of the temple are Painguni and Kumbhabhishekam.