The Achankovil Sastha Temple is a Hindu temple located near the banks of the Achankovil River in the Kollam district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the five important temples dedicated to Shasta in Kerala, the others being Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, Sabarimala and Kanthamala.
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The Achankovil Sastha Temple is famous for curing poisonous snake bites. The left hand of the idol of Ayyappa at Achankovil Shastha Temple always holds 'Chandan' (sandalwood paste) and Theertha (holy water). The Chandan and Theertha are considered to have medicinal properties to cure snake bites. Achenkovil is one of the main temples of Lord Ayyappa situated in Kollam district. Located deep in the forest, it is among the famous Lord Sastha temples among others including Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, Sabarimala, and Kanthamala temples. Believers come here in large numbers to pray and legend has it that it is a place where one can cure poison bites.
Achankovil Temple or Achankovil Sri Dharmasastha Temple is one of the primary Lord Ayyappa temples in Kerala. Achankovil Shastha Temple is one of the five vital temples of Lord Ayyappan whose icons are sanctified by Lord Parasurama. The other four temples are Aryankavu Sastha Temple, Kulathupuzha Temple, Kanthamala Temple and Sabarimala Temple. Achankovil Temple is around 17 km from Kottarakkara in Kollam District of Kerala. Achankovil Temple is 950 mtrs range from the ocean level.
About The Deity The managing divinity of this temple is Lord Ayyappa. The symbol introduced in the temple is accepted to be the most established vigraha introduced by Parasurama. The temple cherishes Lord Sree Dharma Sastha alongside his two consorts Poorna and Pushkala in Grihasta Ashram (as a family man). The icon of Swamy Ayyappan in the temple is known as "Rudraksha Sila" and is known for its inexplicable mending power for snake venom. The left hand of the icon of Ayyappa at Achankovil Temple holds sandalwood glue (Chandan) and sacred water (Tirtha). The chandan and Thirtha are said to have therapeutic properties for curing harmful snake nibbles.
The temple holds various sub-gods like Malikappurathamma, Durga, Nagaraja, Nagayakshi, Ganapathi, Muruga, Karuppaswami, Karuppayi amma, Cheppanimundan, Chappanimaadan, Madanthevan, Kalamadan, Kochattinarayanan, Shingali bhootathan and Arukola. The back bit of the temple has a Kavuwhere the Naga (serpent) divinity is revered for the welfare and purpose. Festivals The Thiruvutsavam (yearly celebration) and Mandala pooja is facilitated in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December to January) for 10 days and celebrated in great style. The Thiruvabharanam (holy trimmings) parade to the temple by means of Punalur, Aryankavu, Shenkottai and Tenkasi is another fascination. Pushpabhisheka is led on eighth of Makaram.
Revathi celebration is facilitated amid the times of January and February. The fundamental offering of the divinity duing this celebration is Karuppanootu to pacify Karuppaswami, an awesome companion of Ayyappa. The Therottam (chariot celebration), Karuppanthullal and Chapparam parade hung on the ninth day of celebration are especially like the ceremonies in Tamil Nadu. Significance The Achankovil Sastha Temple is famous for curing poisonous snake bites. According to Hindu belief the Planet Saturn has much effect on humans and bad effects known as 'Sani Dosham' will be removed or the power of its bad effects will be lessened by praying and worshiping at Achankovil Dharma Sastha temple. Lord Sastha / Ayyappa is considered as the God governing planet Saturn.
How to Reach Achankovil Sri Dharmasastha Temple Thiruvananthapuram international airport is about 140 km and Cochin international airport about 180 km. The nearest railway stations are at Thenmala, Kottarakkara and Punalur. The temple is located near the banks of Achankovil river in the dense forest regions of eastern Kollam, about 50 km from Punalur, 85 km (53 mi) from Kollam and 62 km (39 mi) from Kulathupuzha via Aryankavu, Thenmala and Shenkottai. Different Routes to Reach the temple
Thiruvananthapuram:(124 km) via Nedumangad - Kulathupuzha - Thenmala...
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JUNE 24, 2018 This temple has a very beautiful and serene atmosphere. The sacred vibes coming from the temple are astounding. For that, five stars BUT...............................
We are from kerala and hence, we actually came from the kerala side. First we went to konni and tried going to achenkovil through the kalleli route, but the forest guard stopped us saying that the rains last night have soiled the roads and that its better to go by the alimukku-achankovil road from pathanapuram. So we went by that road. It was going smooth, till some 22 kms away from achankovil, that the roads gave way to what could only be described as a drive through hell. The roads were so bad and filled with potholes and mud, that we even thought of going back. But, the conscience inside us forced us to move forward. From there, it only got worse and our driver was getting all sweaty. After an hour of treacherous driving, we reached the junction between konni-achenkovil road and this hell road. We turned right and continued towards achenkovil and this road, although somewhat better than that hell road, was also filled with potholes and other stuff. We stopped at one point to ask a passerby about the kalleli route, but they said that those roads were in better condition and that they had passed through there just this morning. We understood that the forest officer had lied to us and forced us to take the other despicable road.
TO EVERYONE READING THIS, ALWAYS CHOOSE THE KALLELI ROUTE OVER THE ALIMUKKU ONE IF YOU WANT YOUR VEHICLE BACK, SAFE AND SOUND.
The road futher towards achenkovil, were also really bad, till the town of achenkovil. I heavily request the kerala PWD to look through this problem and refurbish these roads so that the pilgrimage does not look like a struggle. Why are you guys so ignorant of the travellers and the people living in achenkovil? We arrived at the temple 2 hrs late and as a result, wasn't able to enter the temple, as it had closed
We decided that we are never going back through that route again and I suggest no one to travel through that route. Hence, we went to Tamil Nadu (towards Chengotta). The road towards chengotta was really good and well maintained. (even in the kerala side) THE KERALA PWD SHOULD LEARN A LESSON OR TWO ABOUT HOW TO MAINTAIN ROADS FROM THE TNPWD. They maintain their roads all too well. There were two waterfalls on the way and it was a really good drive from there. We returned back through thenmala route.
THE ONLY QUESTION I HAVE TO ASK TO KERALA PWD IS::: WHAT CRIME DID WE COMMIT TO PUT US THROUGH SUCH TORTURE? Our vehicle lost its alignment and now we have to have it serviced, all because of the kerala pwd and its horrible roads. We have backpain and our driver is exhausted. Shame on you, Kerala PWD for destroying our car and the reputation of our beautiful state. Roads towards such important places should be always well-maintained. Please have these roads maintained well for the future travellers...
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Achankoil Sree Dharmasastha Temple!
Located in Achankoil, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, this ancient temple is a revered pilgrimage site, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa (Dharmasastha). Here's an overview:
Temple History:
Believed to have been built over 1,000 years ago. Mentioned in ancient Tamil and Sanskrit texts. Associated with the Pandya dynasty.
Deities:
Main deity: Lord Dharmasastha (Ayyappa). Sub-deities: Lord Ganapathy, Goddess Devi, and Lord Subramanya.
Temple Architecture:
Traditional Kerala style. Copper-roofed sanctum sanctorum. Beautiful wooden carvings and mural paintings.
Festivals and Celebrations:
Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage (November-December). Achankoil Temple Festival (February-March). Daily pujas and special rituals.
Significance:
Important stopover for Sabarimala pilgrims. Believed to grant spiritual growth and salvation. Associated with Ayurvedic and Siddha medical traditions.
Darshan Timings:
Morning: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Evening: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Offerings:
Neyyabhishekam (ghee offering). Pushpanjali (flower offering). Annadanam (food offering).
How to Reach:
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (120 km). Nearest railway station: Chengannur Railway Station (60 km). Bus: Regular buses from Pathanamthitta, Chengannur, and nearby towns.
Accommodation:
Temple guest houses. Local lodges and hotels. Nearby towns offer more options.
Achankoil Sree Dharmasastha Temple is a sacred destination, blending natural beauty and spiritual...
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