Aryankavu Sastha Temple
| Aryankavu Sree Dharmasastha Temple | |
|---|---|
|
Aryankavu temple (1990 photograph) | |
  Aryankavu Sree Dharmasastha Temple Location in Kerala | |
| Name | |
| Proper name | ആര്യങ്കാവ് ശ്രീ ധർമ്മശാസ്താ ക്ഷേത്രം |
| Tamil | ஆர்யங்காவ் சாஸ்தா கோவில் |
| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 8°59′59″N 77°09′57″E / 8.9998295°N 77.165901°ECoordinates: 8°59′59″N 77°09′57″E / 8.9998295°N 77.165901°E |
| Country | India |
| State | Kerala |
| District | Kollam |
| Location | Aryankavu |
| Elevation | 254 m (833 ft) |
| Culture | |
| Primary deity | Ayyappa |
| Important festivals | Mandala pooja (Dhanu), Trikalyanam, Pandiyamudippu, Kumbhabhishekam |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural styles | Traditional Kerala style |
| History and governance | |
| Governing body | Travancore Devaswom Board |
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The Aryankavu Sastha Temple is one of the 108 Sastha shrines in Kerala believed to be consecrated by sage Parashurama.[1] It is also one among Pancha Sastha temples in Kerala located in the Pathanapuram taluk of Kollam district, in the eastern forest ranges. The pratishta here is quite different from that of Achankovil, Kulthupuzha and Sabarimala temples. Ayyappa is depicted as a young boy sitting on an elephant with right leg hanging and left leg being in a folded position, along with his consort Prabha on the left side and lord Shiva on the right.[2] As in Sabarimala, the temple too have 18 steps and women from 10 to 50 age were denied entry to the temple in the past. The temple built in the traditional architectural styles of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu preserves several murals of Hindu deities. Another feature of the temple is that it is built 35 feet below the road level. The Poojas and rituals conducted in the temple is very much similar to the Tamil traditions as it is located near the border of two states. The present temple is believed to be constructed by Mayal, who was the wife of Chokkampetty Zamindar Chinnanganchan Pandiyan of the Marava race.[3]
Behind the name
The name 'Aryankavu' is believed to be originated from the words "Aryan" which generally denotes the deity Sastha and "Kavu" being the place where he is worshipped. The deity here is also known as Tiru Aryan.
Location
The temple is located in the eastern side of Kollam district near the border of Tamil Nadu on the Kollam - Tenkasi national highway. It is about 73 km (45 mi) from Kollam city, 33 km (21 mi) from Punalur, 21 km (13 mi) from Tenkasi and 13 km (8.1 mi) from Shenkottai.[4] People from south can approach the temple via Thiruvananthapuram - Thenmala - Shenkottai highway. The nearest railhead is at Aryankavu, which falls under the Madurai railway division.
Subordinate deities
The temple has separate shrines for Valiyakadutha, Karuppaswami and Karuppayiamma below the holy steps.
Festivals
The temple has two main annual festivals mainly the Mandalapooja and Trikkalyanam (10th Dhanu).[5] The other noted festivals of the temple are Painguni and Kumbhabhishekam.[6]
See also
References
- ↑ Sree, Ayyappan (2016-11-19). Sastha temples in Kerala. Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram: Siso books. p. 227. ISBN 817797033X.
- ↑ "Other Sastha Temples - Welcome to Sabarimalaayyappa.org". sabarimalaayyappa.org. Retrieved 2016-11-19.
- ↑ Mathurbhoomi, Sabarimala supplement (2016-11-19). The three Sastha temples in Kollam district. Mathurbhoomi. p. 71.
- ↑ "Aryankavu Sri Dharmasastha temple - Travancore Devaswom Board". www.sabarimalaaccomodation.com. Retrieved 2016-11-19.
- ↑ "KERALA TEMPLES - ARYANKAVU DHARMASASTHA". Retrieved 2016-11-19.
- ↑ "Aryankavu Sri Dharmasastha Temple, Kollam". www.indiatourmate.com. Retrieved 2016-11-19.