Aryankavu Sastha Temple
Also known as: ஆரியங்காவு சாஸ்தா கோயில் · ఆర్యంకావు శాస్తా ఆలయం · आर्यंकावु शास्ता मंदिर
Kerala Ayyappan
One of the five major Sastha temples of Kerala. Shasta is a teenager seated on an elephant, with Pushkala at his side.
- Deity
- Shasta as a teenager (Aryankavu Ayyan), Pushkala
- Tradition
- Ayyappan
- Place
- Aryankavu, Kollam
- State
- Kerala
- Era
- Not stated in the source.
Sthala Puranam
The image is believed to have been consecrated by Parashurama.
Shasta is said to have married Pushkaladevi of the Saurashtra community at Aryankavu.
Speciality
- Shasta is shown as a teenager on an elephant, with the right leg hanging and the left folded. Pushkala sits on his left and Shiva on his right.
- It has 18 steps like Sabarimala. The temple is 11 metres below the road level.
- A mix of Kerala and Tamil Nadu styles, with old murals. Kerala rituals are followed inside, Tamil rituals outside during festivals.
Festivals
- Thiru Kalyanam (divine wedding) in Dhanu (December)
- Pandiyan Mudippu (engagement)
- Kumbhabhishekham
How to reach
By airThiruvananthapuram Airport, about 110–120 km.
By trainAryankavu has no major station nearby; Punalur or Sengottai are used. Check locally.
By roadOn the Punalur–Sengottai road near the Tamil Nadu border. Buses stop at Aryankavu.
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.
- Thiru Kalyanam in Dhanu draws large crowds from both Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Prayers for this temple
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed above. If you find a mistake, please tell us.