Achankovil Sri Dharmasastha Temple – History, Poojas, Festivals & Travel Guide
Introduction
The Achankovil Sri Dharmasastha Temple, located in Kollam district, Kerala, is one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Ayyappa (Sri Dharmasastha). Nestled amidst the dense forests of the Western Ghats, this temple is revered alongside Sabarimala and Aryankavu, forming the holy Ayyappa trinity. What makes Achankovil unique is the presence of Lord Ayyappa with his consorts, Poorna and Pushkala, a rare representation in Kerala temples.
History of Achankovil Temple
The temple dates back several centuries and is deeply connected to the legend of Lord Parashurama, who is believed to have installed the idol of Sri Dharmasastha here. Ancient texts and local traditions mention the temple as a center of Tantric and Vedic worship practices, blending both Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions.
Achankovil also served as an ancient pilgrimage route linking Kerala and Tamil Nadu through the dense forests, which explains the strong cultural influence on the rituals performed here.
Myths & Legends
The most unique feature of Achankovil Temple is the presence of medicinal snake bite cure associated with the deity. Devotees believe that Lord Ayyappa here blesses them with protection from snake bites, and the temple’s prasadam (holy water mixed with sandalwood paste and ghee) is administered as a traditional cure.
Mythology also narrates that Sri Dharmasastha resides here as a family deity with Poorna and Pushkala, symbolizing balance, prosperity, and protection.
Location & How to Reach
📍 Achankovil Sri Dharmasastha Temple
Kollam District, Kerala, India
By Road: 80 km from Pathanamthitta, well-connected to Punalur & Kollam.
By Train: Punalur Railway Station (45 km) & Kollam Junction (110 km).
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport (130 km).
Situated inside thick forests and riverside routes, the temple journey is as enchanting as the destination.
Temple Timings
🕰 Daily Temple Timings:
Morning: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Poojas & Rituals
🙏 Major rituals at Achankovil include:
Usha Pooja (Morning Prayer) – performed at sunrise.
Ucha Pooja (Noon Worship) – with offerings of rice, ghee, and prasadam.
Deeparadhana (Evening Lamp Ritual) – with chanting of Ayyappa slokas.
Special Snake Bite Relief Ritual – prasadam applied as a traditional cure.
Mandala Kalam Poojas – during Sabarimala season, special abhishekams and homams are conducted.
Festivals & Celebrations
✨ Mandala Pooja (Nov–Dec): Major pilgrimage season where thousands of devotees undertake vratham and offer prayers.
✨ Makaravilakku (Jan): Celebrated with great devotion, marking the ascent of devotees to the shrine.
✨ Thirukarthika Festival: Special lamp lighting and rituals dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
✨ Panguni Uthiram (March–April): Traditional Kerala-Tamil Nadu cross-border pilgrimage festival.
Why Visit Achankovil Temple?
✅ One of the three major Ayyappa temples in Kerala (with Sabarimala & Aryankavu).
✅ Unique darshan of Lord Ayyappa with Poorna and Pushkala.
✅ Belief in protection from snake bites with prasadam cure.
✅ Located inside lush Western Ghats forests, perfect for a spiritual and nature-filled journey.
✅ Rich blend of Tantric and Vedic traditions, rare in Kerala temples.
Plan Your Pilgrimage with SouthGuru Holidays
SouthGuru Holidays offers curated Kerala and Tamil Nadu pilgrimage packages that include visits to Achankovil, Sabarimala, Aryankavu, and other famous Ayyappa temples. Combine your spiritual journey with sightseeing tours, comfortable stays, and guided temple visits.
📞 Contact SouthGuru Holidays
📧 Email: sales@southguru.in
🌐 Website: www.southguruholidays.com
📞 Call: +91-73565 07555
