Achankovil Sri Dharmasastha Temple is famous as one of the Five / Pancha Sastha temples in Kerala. The other four Pancha Sastha temples are Sasthamcotta Sree Dharmasastha Temple, Aryankavu Sastha Temple, Kulathupuzha Temple and Sabarimala Temple. The temple is unique for its idol known as Rudrakshasila in which Lord Sastha is depicted as a grihasthashrami (one who leads a married life) along with his two consorts Poorna and Pushkala.
Lord Ayyappa leads the life of Grihastha Ashrama here: he is depicted as a father of a family or leads married life here. He is represented with his two wives, Purna and Pushkala. The idol here is said to have been installed by Parashurama.
Achankovil Sastha Temple is famous for healing poisonous snake bites. The left hand of Ayyappa idol in the Achankovil Shastha temple still holds Chandan/Sandalwood paste and Theertha (holy water). Chandan and Theertha are believed to have medicinal properties to cure snakebites.
The temple complex also contains other deities associated with the Ayyappa legend. The festivals and rituals held here have strong Tamil roots.
During the Sabarimala yatra, devotees also visit this temple to offer their prayers. The idol of this temple is believed to have been consecrated by the sage Parasurama. On both sides of the idol, Poorna and Pushkala, Lord Sastha’s consorts are also installed. The most important festival here is celebrated from the first to the tenth day of the Malayalam Dhanu month (December to January).
Achankovil Sri Dharmasastha Temple Timings:5:00 AM to 7:00 PM
How to Reach Achankovil Sri Dharmasastha Temple:
Thiruvananthapuram:(124 km) via Nedumangad – Kulathupuzha – Thenmala – Chenkottai
Kollam:(85 km) via Kottarakkara – Punalur
Pathanapuram:(45 km) via Konni – Achankovil road
Kulathupuzha:(63 km) via Thenmala – Aryankavu, Shenkottai
Konni:(41 km) via Kalleli – Kadiyar – Uliyanad – Mannarappara – Thura
Punalur:(43 km) via Kumaramkudy-Mullumala route, but the route is not in a good condition.
Achankovil Sri Dharmasastha Temple Address:
Achankovil Sri Dharmasastha Temple,
Achankovil Road,
Kollam District,
Kerala – 689699.