Explore Aryankavu Ayyappa Temple: Child Form of Lord Sastha & Thiru Kalyanam Festival

History of Aryankavu Temple

The temple is believed to date back over a thousand years, with legends linking its origin to Lord Parashurama, who is said to have consecrated the idol of Sri Dharmasastha. Inscriptions and records also suggest that the temple enjoyed patronage from Pandya and Travancore kings. Its location as a connecting pass between Kerala and Tamil Nadu made it a prominent center for pilgrims and traders alike.

Myths & Legends

Unlike the traditional depiction of Lord Ayyappa as a celibate ascetic, at Aryankavu he is worshipped as Balasastha (child form of Ayyappa). Mythology narrates that Lord Dharmasastha married Pushkala here, and the annual festival Thiru Kalyanam (Divine Wedding Festival) commemorates this divine union. This makes Aryankavu unique among Ayyappa temples.

Location & How to Reach

📍 Aryankavu Sri Dharmasastha Temple
Aryankavu, Kollam District, Kerala

• By Road: Located on NH 744 (Kollam–Tenkasi Highway). Easily accessible from Kollam (80 km) and Punalur (35 km).

• By Train: Aryankavu Railway Station (2 km) and Sengottai Station (5 km).

• By Air: Trivandrum International Airport (110 km).

The temple is surrounded by dense forests, streams, and hills, making the journey spiritually and visually rewarding.

Temple Timings

🕰 Daily Timings:

• Morning: 4:30 AM – 12:00 PM

• Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Poojas & Rituals

🙏 Major rituals include:

• Usha Pooja (Dawn Worship) – early morning prayers with Vedic chanting.

• Ucha Pooja (Noon Ritual) – with special offerings of rice and ghee.

• Deeparadhana (Evening Lamp Pooja) – accompanied by musical instruments.

• Special Balasastha Abhishekam – rituals dedicated to child Ayyappa.

• Kalyanotsavam Pooja – symbolic wedding ceremony of Sri Dharmasastha.

Festivals & Celebrations

✨ Thiru Kalyanam (December 26): The most important festival, celebrating Lord Ayyappa’s divine wedding with Pushkala. Pilgrims from Kerala and Tamil Nadu gather in large numbers.
✨ Mandala Pooja & Makaravilakku: Observed during the traditional 41-day Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
✨ Utsavam (Annual Festival): A 10-day festival with flag-hoisting, special poojas, processions, and cultural programs.

Why Visit Aryankavu Temple?

✅ One of the three sacred Ayyappa temples of Kerala.
✅ Unique darshan of Lord Ayyappa as Balasastha.
✅ Famous for the Thiru Kalyanam festival, symbolizing divine marriage.
✅ Located on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border, blending rich cultural traditions.
✅ Scenic surroundings with forests, waterfalls, and heritage significance.