History:

is traced back to the period of Padyanadargal (chola rulers). Situated on the banks of Sasthamcotta Lake, this temple is believed to be 2000-3000 years old. It is believed that, Parasurama created this temple when his axe landed here while he was reclaiming the land from the sea. This temple is dedicated to Lord Dharma Sastha (Ayappan). It is an ancient temple and is believed to be the second richest temple in India. The specialty here is "Aadima Prasadam" (a special offering made to Lord Ayyappa). Pilgrims also come here to take a blessed bath in the Sasthamcotta Lake. Various religious ceremonies conducted here include Thidambu Nritham (a ritual dance performed by the temple priests), Kalam Puja (arti of Lord Shiva), Ashtami Prasnam (eighth moon astrology to seek remedy for various problems) and Pujaslipikal (offering prayers with the help of paper slips). In recent years, the temple has been renovated and a new building has been brought up. The idol of Lord Sastha has been established here in traditional South Indian style. Pilgrims can also take part in the rituals observed in the temple and offer their obeisance. It is one of the best temple in Kerala which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is one of the most famous and oldest temples in Kerala, India. 2. It is located on the banks of Sasthamkotta Lake, 11 km away from Kollam City. 3. The temple is believed to have been constructed over 400 years ago. 4. The main deity of the temple is Lord Ayyappa, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. 5. The temple is known for its abundance of peacocks in and around the premises. 6. It is one of the 108 Sastha Temples in Kerala, and is very popular among devotees. 7. Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit the temple for the annual festival held during the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February/March). 8. Various offerings and rituals are performed in the temple to please Lord Ayyappa. This includes Annadanam (offering food to poor), Thookam (ritual of lowering the flag), Neeranjanam (changing the clothes of the deity) and Pushpabhishekam (Abhishekam- bathing ceremony - using various flower species). Here are some facts about the Kerala temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Kerala

Worship Method:

The Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is a Hindu shrine located in Kerala, India, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The temple follows the Thazhamon Madhom practices of Adi Sankaracharya, the founder of the Advaita philosophy. The worshipping method of this temple follows the traditional Kerala system and includes poojas, abhishekams, discourses and other custom offerings that are performed by experts. Every morning, the temple opens at 4 am with an abhishekam or bathing, where pure ghee is added and banyan leaves are used. Then the perfume, flowers and other medicines are added to the bathing pot. After the abhishekh this, the utsava murthy (idol) of Sree Dharma Sastha is decorated. A special pooja is conducted, where many offerings like ghee lamps, fruits and other items are offered. Various mantras and shlokas are chanted for Lord Ayyappa, followed by namaskaram or salutations. Then, aadhya balam (offering of prasadam) is done for the Lord and is served to devotees as prasadam. Special discourses are held in the temple and during certain festivals like Makara Sankranti and Sabarimala pilgrim season, the temple hosts many devotees. After all the poojas are over, Arati is performed, where jyothi (flames) and ghanti (bells) are offered to Lord Ayyappa. Aarti is done by chanting the Lord Ayyappa's 108 names. After that, the temple closes with a long and powerful hymn and with an uthsavam (procession) of Lord Ayyappa around the temple. Finally, devotees offer their prayers to Lord Ayyappa and take deep blessings from him, before leaving the temple. This most visited temple in Kerala

Opening Timing:

The Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple opens at 4:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM every day. top temples in Kerala

How to reach:

The Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is one of the most important temples in Kerala and is located at Sasthamcotta, which is around 24 km from Kollam town. One can reach it by buses or trains from any part of Kerala as there are frequent trains and buses from cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Calicut. For those travelling by train, the nearest railway station is Varkala, which is around 10 km from the Temple. One can also hire a cab or auto-rickshaw from there to reach the Temple. famous temples in Kerala