Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple
| Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple | |
|---|---|
|
Kulathupuzha Sastha temple | |
  Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple Location in Kerala | |
| Name | |
| Proper name | കുളത്തൂപ്പുഴ ശാസ്താ ക്ഷേത്രം |
| Tamil | குளத்தூப்புழை சாஸ்தா கோவில் |
| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 8°54′30″N 77°03′20″E / 8.9082295°N 77.055501°ECoordinates: 8°54′30″N 77°03′20″E / 8.9082295°N 77.055501°E |
| Country | India |
| State | Kerala |
| District | Kollam |
| Location | Kulathupuzha |
| Culture | |
| Primary deity | Balasastha |
| Important festivals | Thiruulsavam in Medam, Vishu mahotsavam |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural styles | Traditional Kerala style |
| History and governance | |
| Governing body | Travancore Devaswom Board |
Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple is located on the banks of Kulathupuzha, a tributary of Kallada River in Pathanapuram taluk of Kollam district. The presiding deity here is lord Ayyappa in the form of Balasastha. It is one among the 108 Sastha shrines in Kerala. The idol here is believed to be installed by lord Parashurama. The deity here is in a fierce mood (ugramoorthi) as well as in auspicious mood (mangalapradayakan). Shiva, Yakshi, Vishnu, Ganapathi, Boothathan, Nagar, and Karuppaswami are the other subordinate deities in the temple. Legend says that the temple was founded by Pandalam raja, but the idol of sastha was founded by a Brahmin from Kottarakkara. Earlier, the temple was under Kottarakkara raja and later hand overed to Travancore devaswom board. The pond near to the temple is another attraction. Devotees offers Meenoottu vazhipadu for healing the warts in the skin. All the devotees are so concerned about protecting the fishes in this pond, considering them as lord Ayyappa's favorite ones. Fishing is also strictly prohibited here. The tantric rights of the temple are held by Kokkalathu madam.[1]
Location of temple
The temple is located in the reserve forest range of eastern Kollam.[2] Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai highway passes through Kulathupuzha. Devotees from Tamil Nadu can approach the tempke via Tenkasi - Shenkottai - Aryankavu - Thenmala route. The nearest railway station is at Thenmala, approximately 10 km (6.2 mi).[3]
References
- ↑ "History of Kulathupuzha sastha temple in Kollam". keralamythology.blogspot.in.
- ↑ "Ayyappa temple at Kulathupuzha". www.hindu-blog.com.
- ↑ "Kulathupuzha temple". www.sabarimalaaccomodation.com.