Five Important Temples Dedicated to Ayyappa in Kerala

There are five important temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in the Western Ghats in Kerala including the famous Sabarimala Shrine. It is believed that these temples were founded by Lord Parashurama. Dharma Shasta or Lord Ayyappa is represented in different stages of his life in these temples. Legend has it that Lord Ayyappa passed through Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu and Achankoil on his return to Madurai with the milk of leopardess.

In the Ayyappa temple at Kulathupuzha near Thenmala in Kollam District, Lord appears as Balaka or child and is known as ‘Manikantan.’ (more details about Kulathupuzha Ayyappa Temple)

At Aryankavu in Kollam District, Lord Ayyappa appears as a young man - Brahmachari. The temple is closely associated with the Pandi Raja of Madurai. (more details about Aryankavu Shastha Temple)

At Achankoil Sasta Temple in Pathanamthita District, the Lord appears as a Grahastha with his two consorts Poorna and Pushkala. The idol of Ayyappa here is in Rudraksha Shila. (more details about Achankoil Ayyappa Temple)

At Sabarimala, Lord is depicted in the Vanaprastha form. And this is the most popular shrine.

At Ponnambala Medu or Kantamala, the Lord appears as yogi and the ‘Makaravilaku’ emanate from here. (Public is not allowed to visit this part of the forest.)

It must be noted that temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa or Dharma Shasta can be found in several parts of Kerala, in other Indian states and in foreign countries. In Kerala, even in temple dedicated to other gods in Hindu pantheon, there will be a Sasta shrine.

Related

How to do the Irumudi kettu?

How to Observe Sabarimala Mandala Vratham?

Significance of the ghee-filled coconut offered at Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple



16 comments:

Karthick VR said...

Thanks for all the Information about the lord Iyappa. Post more useful and devotional information.

Ram said...

Good informative session, so that all of us can aware about each temple as well.Thanks a lot.

sivashankari said...

when lord ayyappa birthday will be celebrated?

Monai said...

thanks for the information. we are planing a trip to kulathupuzha, aryankavu and achankovil.i will write my experience after ayyappa darshan

arun said...

Load Ayyappan(manikandan) is very powerfull god,Sabarimalai is believed to be the place where Ayyappan meditated after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi.
Sabarimalai is one of the most visited piligrim centres in the world with an estimated 4.5 - 5 crores devotees coming every year.
The world's second largest annual pilgrimage, after Haj in Mecca, is reported to be to Sabarimalai.

Rajesh said...

when will the periya padham route will be opened for the devotives for mandala pooja

abishekraj said...

hai i am going for the first time to the temple . how many days i need to be in fasting

nandu said...

NANDU SAYS : LORD AYAPPA IS THE MOST POWERFUL GOD .

Venu said...

Swamiyee saranam ayyappa. Thank you Very Much for the information

mknerusu said...

Good informative session, so that all of us can aware about each temple. and tel me about when irumudi will bring with out guru swami bcoz more guru swami are have a more work.

3D N - GEN said...

Hi i want PALLIKATTU SABARIMALAIKKU & BHAGAVAN SARANAM of KJ yesudas, please

bhattathiri said...

Indian Vedic contribution is a reservoir of Vibrant Information and Harmonious Creativity. May the womb of nature embrace all with tranquil blessings from this day forward? Let this attract one's attention affecting them positively. It is a sanctuary of the self a creative venue which serves as an enduring expression of lightness, where a peaceful atmosphere with sunlight flows and serene atmosphere prevail.

In the storm of life we struggle through myriads of stimuli of pressure, stress, and multi problems that seek for a solution and answer. We are so suppressed by the routine of this every life style that most of us seem helpless. However, if we look closely to ancient techniques we shall discover the magnificent way to understand and realize the ones around us and mostly ourselves. If only we could stop for a moment and allow this to happen. May all beings be happy (Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu) is the essence of Indian philosophy?

Anonymous said...

THANK U FOR GIVING USEFUL INFORMATION

B.R.Aravindh Raj said...

swamy ayyappan made me as one of perfect man and he made me to know which part of life is important.....my advice to all the people who visit this site lord ayyappan wil give as to feel pleasant life and heart full of joy during the 41 days of madala veratham....im giving the full assurance that u will get some changes when you visit lord ayappan temple.who turned my life in another way which made me happy....all this lines comes from my heart not just my typing
SWAMYAE SARANAM IYAPPA

B.R.Aravindh Raj said...

41 days.........

Vizag RK Swamy said...

Sabareesu archinchu Aatymaye aatma
Ayyappanu poojinchu puttuke puttuka
Manikhantuni kanchu kannule kannulu
Dharmasastha nu vedukonu vakkuye vakku

Jai Sabarigiri Vasaa Ayyappaaaaaaaa
Sarnamo Ayyappppppppppaaaaaaaaaaa
Swamy Saranamooooooooooo Ayyappaaaaaaaaaa

1va gadapaku Sarnamo ayyappa
2va gadapaku saranamo ayyappa
3va gadpaku saranamo ayyappa
4va gadapaku saranomo ayyappa
5va gadapaku saranamo ayyappa
6va gadapaku saranamo ayyappa
7va gadfapaku saranao ayyappa
8va gadapaku saranamo ayyappa
9va gadapaku saranamu ayyappa
10va gadapaku saranamu ayyappa
10 okati gadapaku saranamo ayyappa
10 rendu gadapaku saranamo ayyappa
10 moodu gadapaku saranamo ayyappa
10 nalgu gadapaku saranamo ayyappa
10 eidu gadapaku saranamo ayyappa
10 aaru gadapaku saranamo ayyappa
10 edu gadapaku saranamo ayyappa
10 enimidi gadapaku saranamo ayyappa
Swamiye ayyappa
Sarnamo ayyappa

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