Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple

Also known as: குளத்துப்புழா சாஸ்தா கோயில் · కులత్తుపుళ శాస్తా ఆలయం · कुलत्तुपुझा शास्ता मंदिर

Kerala Ayyappan

One of the five major Sastha temples of Kerala, where Shasta is the child Balasastha. Famous for the sacred fish.

Deity: Balasastha (Kulathupuzha Balakan)
Tradition: Ayyappan
Place: Kulathupuzha, Kollam
State: Kerala
Sacred tank / theertham: The temple pond where the sacred fish live (no other name given).
Era: No date is given. Legend says Parashurama; common belief says the Raja of Pandalam.

Sthala Puranam

The image is believed to have been installed by Parashurama. It is made of eight pieces of stone.

Shasta is said to have let a mermaid (Jala Kanyaka), who desired him, live in the temple pond as a fish.

A common belief credits the Raja of Pandalam with founding the temple. The image is attributed to a Brahmin of Kottarakkara.

Meenoottu (feeding the fish) is the special offering, done to heal skin warts. The fish are called Thirumakkal, and fishing is strictly banned.
The deity is said to have both fierce and gentle aspects.
Run by the Travancore Devaswom Board. The Kokkalathu Mutt holds the tantric rights.

By airThiruvananthapuram Airport, about 70–80 km.

By trainKollam Junction (about 65 km) or Punalur (about 35 km).

By roadOn the Thiruvananthapuram–Shenkottai (Sengottai) road, in the hills of Kollam district. Buses from Kollam, Punalur and Thiruvananthapuram.

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Location is approximate.

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.
Do not feed the fish with anything other than the offering sold by the temple, and never try to catch them.

Sources

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