Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple – Sacred Connection to Lord Ayyappa
History of Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
Pandalam holds a unique place in Kerala’s spiritual history as the royal capital of the Pandalam dynasty, which is believed to have divine connections with Lord Ayyappa of Sabarimala. The Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is regarded as one of the most important shrines dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, apart from Sabarimala itself.
The temple is historically significant as it is located near Pandalam Palace, the place where Lord Ayyappa spent his childhood under the royal family’s guardianship. Devotees strongly believe that visiting Pandalam and seeking blessings at Valiya Koyikkal Temple before the Sabarimala pilgrimage enhances the spiritual merit of their journey.
Myth and Religious Significance
According to legend, Lord Ayyappa (Hariharaputra) was adopted by the Pandalam Raja after being found near the Pampa River. The Pandalam royal family is still regarded as the custodian of Ayyappa traditions. The Thiruvabharanam procession—the sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa—starts from this temple every year during Makaravilakku festival and is ceremoniously carried to Sabarimala, signifying the deep bond between Pandalam and Ayyappa devotees worldwide.
Location of Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
The temple is located in Pandalam, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, just about 15 km from Adoor and 17 km from Chengannur railway station. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (100 km).
Temple Address:
Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple,
Pandalam, Pathanamthitta, Kerala – 689501
Temple Timings
The temple follows traditional Kerala-style rituals:
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Morning: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM
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Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Special poojas and extended darshan timings are observed during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season (November to January).
Festivals and Special Days
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Makaravilakku & Thiruvabharanam Procession: The grand annual ritual where the sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa are carried from Pandalam to Sabarimala.
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Mandala Pooja: Attracts thousands of devotees preparing for their pilgrimage.
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Utsavam: The annual temple festival celebrated with grandeur, traditional art forms, and rituals.
Poojas and Offerings
Devotees perform several rituals for blessings, prosperity, and spiritual strength:
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Neyyabhishekam (Ghee Offering)
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Archana & Pushpanjali
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Ganapathi Homam
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Ayyappa Namaskaram
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Special Vazhivadus (Offerings) during Mandala season
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