Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple — Attraction in Kerala

Pandalam Ayyappa Temple is situated in between Thottakkonam and Mulampuzha villages of Pandalam. Pandalam in Kerala is chosen and blessed place where Lord Ayyappa is the presiding deity. The temple is unique with its natural procession route around the Sanctorum. Ayyappa is believed to be the one god who protects his devotees from miseries and suffering in Kali Yuga.

Ayyappa is also known as Dharmasasta, Manikandan, Bhutanathan, Pandala Raja, and Pamba Vaasan. Ayyappa was born with composite energy of Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu when Lord Vishnu was taken over Mohini form. The main intention behind Ayyappa’s birth was to demolish Mahishi who was one of the asura demon.

Pandalam Ayyappa Temple Page Contents History and Legend of Pandalam Ayyappa Temple Significance of Pandalam Ayyappa Temple Pandalam Ayyappa Temple Timings Rules to follow at Pandalam Ayyappa Temple Festivals celebrated at Pandalam Ayyappa Temple Poojas and Rituals at Pandalam Ayyappa Temple How to reach: Road, Rail and Air Where to stay Where to eat Nearby Temples History and Legend of Pandalam Ayyappa Temple Sabarimala was once under the regime of the Pandalam dynasty. The Pandalam kingdom was established around 79 ME (903 AD) by the Pandalam royal family who is descendant of the Pandya kings of Madurai. Sabarimala Festival Calendar. The family kept on the move for over a century, finally reaching Pandalam in 79 ME. This was chosen to be the permanent home for the royal family. The then ruler of Venad (later Travancore) helped to establish the kingdom at Pandalam. The King of Pandalam helped Marthanda Varma to conquer the Kayamkulam province. In return for this help, Marthanda Varma did not attempt to attack and conquer Pandalam. The Kingdom of Pandalam extended to over 1,000 square miles. Pandalam dynasty helped other religious followers to build a mosque at Kadakkad and a church at Kudassanad. It is also believed that those who settled down in Pandalam had sympathies toward the Buddhist beliefs. 48 major temples were added to Travancore. The idol was erected in 1910. Pandalam Ayyappa Temple conflagrated in 1971 and underwent a major revamp. Pandalam had extended up to Thodupuzha in Idukki district once. Before the formation of the Pathanamthitta district, Pandalam was in Mavelikkara taluk of Alappuzha district. Leela who was the daughter of Galavamuni, under the curse of her husband Dathan, was reborn as Mahishi. She was an “asura’ female with a buffalo’s face. Upon having killed by Lord Ayyappa, the curse was revoked and the beautiful woman rose out of the corpse. She thanked the Lord and prayed to be with him as his wife. However, the Lord told her that he is a ‘Brahmachari’ and so her desire would not be fulfilled. However, he allowed her to remain in Sabarimala, which is a little distant from his abode. Significance of Pandalam Ayyappa Temple It is believed that Lord Ayyappa himself instructed the Pandalam king to build a mosque for Vavur at Erumuli. The Vavur deity is believed to be as old as the original deity of Ayyappa himself. Records show that the shrine was renovated sometime in 1905. Here, the poojas are conducted by a Muslim priest. There is no distinguishable idol, but a carved stone slab that represents the deity. It is believed that the deity protects the devotees from the evil spirits of the forests. According to legend, Kadutha was a great warrior who helped the Pandalam king defeat the armies of Udayanan and other enemies. Pandalam Ayyappa Temple Timings Pandalam Ayyappa Temple opens at 4:00 AM in the morning to 11:00 PM in the evening. But during special events and festivals, the timing for the temple can be exceeded in order to accommodate more number of devotees.

Rules to follow at Pandalam Ayyappa Temple Women between the ages of 10 and 50 years are not supposed to visit the shrine. The devotees are required to break a coconut at the appointed place before entry to the steps. Consumption of alcohol and non-vegetarian food, Smoking etc are punishable offences.

Festivals celebrated at Pandalam Ayyappa...

Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is a renowned Hindu pilgrimage site in Pandalam town of Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, who is considered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its serene and peaceful ambiance, and it is one of the most popular Ayyappa temples in the state of Kerala.

The temple's architecture is a blend of traditional and modern styles. The main sanctum of the temple is designed in a traditional Kerala style, with intricate carvings and a wooden roof. The walls of the temple are adorned with beautiful murals depicting the life of Lord Ayyappa. The temple's outer structure is modern, with a spacious prayer hall and a wide courtyard.

The temple attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year, especially during the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage season. The temple authorities have taken several measures to ensure that the temple is well-maintained and the visitors have a pleasant experience. The temple premises are clean, and the staff members are courteous and helpful.

The temple also has several other features, such as a huge banyan tree that is believed to be several centuries old. The temple also has a pond, which is considered sacred by devotees. The temple authorities have also constructed a Goshala, which is home to several cows, and visitors can donate to the Goshala to support the upkeep of the cows.

In conclusion, Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is a must-visit destination for those interested in Hindu mythology...

Pandalam is believed to be the place where lord Ayyappa spent his childhood. Pandalam is located at a distance of aound 15Km from Chengannur in Kerala. Lord Ayyappa was the prince of Pandalam Kingdom. Valiya Koikal Dharmasastha temple is situated on the banks of Achankovil river, within the Pandalam Palace The main deity here is LORD Ayyappan. It is typically traditional Kerala temple. The temple is very neat & clean though small. The surroundings are very neat & calm. The main deity Lord Ayyappa is very beautiful and radiates powerful positive vibes. One can feel a type of fear & inner peace when having the darshan of glittering Lord Ayyappa. This temple is next only to Sabari mala temple in importance. Most of the devotees throng to this temple before visiting Sabari Mala. The Pandalam Palace and other connected sites are located near the temple. “Thiruvabaranam” the holy jewels of Lord Ayyappa are preserved in a separate room which forms part of the palace. Annually these jewels will be carried from here in a grand manner to Sabarimala to decorate Lord Ayyappa on Makara Jyothi-day. This Ayyappa temple was built by Panadalam King to worship the Lord. From here one can visit the nearby beautiful “KAIPUZHA KRISHNA & SIVA” temple by crossing the suspension bridge across the river. One must visit this temple to have a...