Achankovil Sastha Temple
Also known as: அச்சன்கோவில் சாஸ்தா கோயில் · అచ్చన్కోవిల్ శాస్తా ఆలయం · अच्चनकोविल शास्ता मंदिर
Kerala Ayyappan
One of the five major Sastha temples of Kerala, where Shasta is shown as a householder with two consorts. Known for snakebite treatment.
- Deity
- Shasta (Achankovil Andavan), with consorts Purna and Pushkala
- Tradition
- Ayyappan
- Place
- Achankovil, Kollam
- State
- Kerala
- Era
- Not stated in the source.
Sthala Puranam
The image is believed to have been consecrated by Parashurama.
Speciality
- Shasta is a householder (Grihastha) here, with Purna and Pushkala on either side.
- Known for traditional snakebite treatment. The deity is seen as the great physician (Maha Vaidya). Sandalwood paste and herbal medicine are given, and the bitten person usually stays three to five days.
- The temple can be opened at night after the Athazha Puja if someone needs help. People may ring the bell at any time.
- Shasta's right palm holds sandalwood paste and holy water, which devotees believe have healing power.
- A Sarpa Kavu at the back is a place of Naga worship. Subordinate deities include Bhagavati, Durga, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Karuppa Swami and Karuppayi Amma.
Festivals
- Mandala Puja (days 1–10 of Dhanu, December–January)
- Revathi Puja (Makaram)
- Therottam (chariot festival)
- Karuppanoottu and Karuppanthullal
How to reach
By airThiruvananthapuram Airport, about 120–130 km. Madurai Airport is the other option.
By trainPunalur or Sengottai (Tenkasi side) stations; check locally.
By roadIn the hills of eastern Kollam district, near the Tamil Nadu border. Buses from Punalur, Sengottai and Pathanapuram.
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- In an emergency snakebite, go to a hospital first. Do not rely only on temple treatment.
Prayers for this temple
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed above. If you find a mistake, please tell us.