When one thinks of Lord Ayyappa, the sacred hills of Sabarimala instantly come to mind. However, Kerala — the land deeply woven with legends of Dharma Sastha- is home to several other ancient and equally powerful Ayyappan temples that reflect his many divine forms. From the childlike Bala Sastha of Kulathupuzha to the householder Grhastha Ayyappa of Achankovil, each temple represents a unique facet of Lord Ayyappa’s divine journey. These shrines are not only spiritual landmarks but also rich repositories of Kerala’s architectural heritage, age-old traditions, and healing legends.
In this first part, let’s explore five of Kerala’s most revered Ayyappa temples (other than Sabarimala) — each with its own charm, ritual practices, and deep-rooted mythology.
1. Achankovil Sree Dharma Shastha Temple – The Healer Lord
Location: Achankovil, Kollam District
The Achankovil Temple holds a special place among Ayyappa shrines, where the deity is worshipped as a householder (Gṛhastha) along with his consorts Purna and Pushkala. Uniquely, the idol here carries sandalwood paste (chandan) and holy water (tīrtham) in his hands, which are believed to possess curative powers against snake venom. This ancient belief continues to draw devotees seeking divine healing.
The temple, said to be one of the five major Ayyappa temples installed by Lord Parashurama, is renowned for its Mandala Pooja and Revathi festival, celebrated in the winter months. Architecturally, Achankovil is a stunning example of Kerala’s traditional Dravidian style, with a square sanctum and beautifully carved wooden structures nestled along the Achankovil River.
Temple Timings: 05:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 05:00 PM – 07:30 PM.
2. Aryankavu Sree Dharma Shastha Temple – The Divine Bridegroom
Location: Aryankavu, Kollam District
Nestled on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border, Aryankavu Temple reveres Lord Ayyappa as a youthful deity, worshipped along with his consort Pushkala and Lord Shiva. This temple is best known for the Thiru Kalyanam festival, which celebrates the divine marriage of Sastha and Pushkala — a beautiful symbol of divine union and cultural harmony.
Reflecting its borderland heritage, Aryankavu uniquely blends Malayali and Tamil traditions in both rituals and architecture. The shrine, located 11 meters below the road level, features 18 sacred steps reminiscent of Sabarimala. Its sanctum, murals, and stone inscriptions reveal a fascinating mix of Kerala woodcraft and Tamil Dravidian elements.
Temple Timings: 05:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM
3. Kulathupuzha Sree Dharma Shastha Temple – The Child Deity
Location: Kulathupuzha, Kollam District
On the serene banks of the Kulathupuzha River lies this temple where Lord Ayyappa is worshipped as Bala Sastha (the child form). The temple is renowned for its unique Meenootu (fish-feeding) ritual, where devotees offer food to the fish in the temple pond — symbolizing Ayyappa’s compassion for all living beings.
The temple architecture represents quintessential Kerala design, featuring copper-roofed shrines, golden flagstaff, and intricate wood carvings. Legends attribute its installation to Parashurama, and royal records of Pandalam link it to ancient Sastha worship traditions.
Every year, the Vishu Mahotsavam (Malayalam New Year) is celebrated grandly, along with a ten-day Tiruvutsavam in April–May.
Temple Timings: 05:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM
4. Pandalam Sree Dharma Shastha Temple – The Royal Abode of Manikandan
Location: Pandalam, Pathanamthitta District
Regarded as the birthplace and childhood home of Lord Ayyappa, the Pandalam Sree Dharma Sastha Temple holds immense spiritual significance. Situated within the Pandalam Palace grounds, it serves as the starting point of the Thiruvabharanam procession, when Ayyappa’s sacred ornaments are carried to Sabarimala before the Makara Vilakku festival.
Architecturally, the temple is simple yet graceful, with brass-roofed sanctums and ornate wooden pillars typical of the Travancore-renaissance style. The adjoining Malikappurathamma shrine represents Ayyappa’s devotee-wife, symbolizing eternal devotion.
The Makara Vilakku and Onam festivals draw vast crowds, while daily rituals continue from 4 AM till 11 PM, reflecting the temple’s royal sanctity and living connection to Ayyappa’s legend.
Temple Timings: 04:00 AM – 11:00 PM
5. Erumeli Sree Dharma Shastha Temple – The Temple of Harmony
Location: Erumeli, Kottayam District
Erumeli is not just a temple town — it’s a spiritual gateway to Sabarimala. Here, Ayyappa is worshipped alongside Vavar, his Muslim devotee, symbolizing religious unity and brotherhood. The temple complex comprises the Valiyambalam (main shrine) and Kochambalam, where devotees perform the famous Petta Thullal, a vibrant dance ritual reenacting Ayyappa’s victory over the demoness Mahishi.
The architecture of the twin temples is simple yet elegant, built in the mid-20th-century Kerala style with wooden frames, copper roofs, and mural artworks. The Petta Thullal festival, held in February–March, transforms Erumeli into a sea of devotion and celebration, marking an essential stop on the Sabarimala pilgrimage trail.
Temple Timings: 05:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM
Each of these temples reveals a unique aspect of Lord Ayyappa’s divine energy — from the healer at Achankovil to the youthful groom at Aryankavu, the child at Kulathupuzha, the royal prince at Pandalam, and the compassionate protector at Erumeli. Together, they form a sacred circuit that upholds Kerala’s ancient Sastha tradition and enriches the spiritual journey of every devotee.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore Ayyappan temples in Tamil Nadu that complete the circle of devotion beyond Sabarimala.
