Sri Kulathupuzha Bala Sastha Temple — Attraction in Kerala

Shree Kulathupuzha Bala Saasthaa Temple is located on the banks of the Kulathupuzha River, a tributary of Kallada River, in Punalur taluk, Kollam district, in Kulathupuzha, Kerala at a distance of 63 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram Airport and 40 Kms from Kottarakkara.

It is one of the 108 Dharma Sastha / Iyeppa temples established by Sri Parashurama in Kerala.It is also one of the five important Sastha temples in Kerala, the others being Aryankavu, Achankovil, Sabarimala and Kanthamala. The temple is more than 1000 years old and has historical ties with the Kingdom of Travancore.

Kulathupuzha is a picturesque village located in the Kollam district of Kerala, nestled within a dense forest range along the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road.

Presiding Deity: Lord Ayyappa in the form of Balasastha (child form of Ayyappa) ; Idol is made up of eight pieces of stones. The Deity is known as ‘Kulathupuzha Balakan’ and feature both fierce (ugramoorthi) and auspicious (mangalapradayakan) moods. There is a popular song titled "Kulathupuzhayile Balakane" praising the deity of the temple.

The temple is constructed in the traditional Kerala style of temple architecture. The temple pond preserves a number of fish, as they are considered to be the favorites of Shasta. Devotees offer Meenoottu (fish feeding) for healing the warts in the skin. The fish are known as Thirumakkal (divine children). Most of them belong to the species Tor khudree and Hypselobarbus thomassi, which are at risk of extinction. The fishes in the area are considered devotees of Dharma Sastha, and fishermen avoid catching them.

Other Deities in the temple are : Lord Shiva, Yakshi, Vishnu, Ganesha, Boothathan, Nāga, and Karuppaswamy.A unique ritual called “Thiru-kalyanam” (the wedding of Ayyappa) occurs during the Sabarimala pilgrimage, depicting a betrothal ceremony.

As per the Legend, Sri Sastha allowed a Jala Kanyaka (mermaid), who had a lust for him, to live in the temple pond in the form of a fish. A common belief is that the temple was established by the Raja of Pandalam, but the idol of Sastha was founded by a Brahmin from Kottarakkara. Earlier, the temple was in the possession of the king of Kottarakkara. Presently managed by Malabar Devaswom Board.. The tantric rights of the temple are held by the Kokkalathu Mutt.

The temple sees heavy crowds during the Mandalam period as devotees visit for Shabarimala. Major Festivals are : Vishu Mahotsavam, celebrated in April. The Temple timings are : 5 AM–12 PM...

Nestled amidst the lush greenery and tranquil surroundings of the Western Ghats, the Kulathuppuzha Sastha Temple in Kollam district, Kerala, is a sacred and spiritually vibrant destination that holds immense religious and cultural significance. Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in his child form, this temple is not just a place of worship but a symbol of serenity, tradition, and divinity.

The temple is part of the famous Pancha Sastha Temples of Kerala and is believed to have been consecrated by Lord Parasurama. What makes this temple unique is the belief that Lord Ayyappa here resides as Manikanta Balaswamy—the child form of the deity, unlike in Sabarimala where he is worshipped as a yogi. Devotees believe that praying here brings peace, protection, and blessings for children and family well-being.

The temple is set beside the scenic Kulathuppuzha river, enhancing the calm and cooling ambience of the place. The sound of the flowing river, the chanting of mantras, and the rustling of the forest trees together create a profoundly meditative environment. The main sanctum is simple but holds a powerful presence that instantly invokes devotion.

One of the highlights is the Vishu Mahotsavam, which attracts thousands of devotees every year. The temple rituals and ceremonies are conducted strictly according to the ancient traditions of Kerala temple customs. The temple is also well-maintained, and the priests are respectful and helpful in guiding devotees through the rituals.

Reaching the temple is itself a rejuvenating journey through dense forests and winding roads, offering a unique blend of pilgrimage and eco-tourism. The route is scenic, and the air is fresh and invigorating. There are also facilities for annadanam (free meals), and nearby areas provide simple accommodation for pilgrims.

Whether you are a devout follower of Lord Ayyappa or a seeker of spiritual peace and natural beauty, Kulathuppuzha Sastha Temple is a must-visit. It offers a divine experience away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The temple continues to be a timeless beacon of Kerala’s...

Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple is located on the banks of Kulathupuzha, a tributary of Kallada River in Pathanapuram taluk of Kollam district. The presiding deity here is Lord Ayyappa in the form of Bala Sastha. It is one among the 108 sastha shrines in Kerala. The idol here is believed to be installed by Lord Parashurama. The deity here is in a fierce mood (ugramoorthi) as well as in auspicious mood (mangalapradayakan). Shiva, Yakshi, Vishnu, Ganapathi, Boothathan, Nagar, and Karuppaswami are the other subordinate deities in the temple.

Legend says that the temple was founded by Pandalam raja, but the idol of Sastha was founded by a Brahmin from Kottarakkara. Earlier, the temple was under Kottarakkara raja and later hand over to Travancore Devaswom board. The pond near to the temple is another attraction. Devotees offer Meenoottu vazhipadu for healing the warts in the skin. All the devotees are so concerned about protecting the fishes in this pond, considering them as lord Ayyappa's favorite ones. Fishing is also strictly prohibited here. The tantric rights of the temple are held by Kokkalathu madom.

The temple is located in the reserve forest range of eastern Kollam. Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai highway passes through Kulathupuzha. Devotees from Tamil Nadu can approach the temple via Tenkasi - Shenkottai - Aryankavu - Thenmala route. The nearest railway station is Thenmala, approximately 10 km.

Vishu Mahotsavam in the months of April and May is the important festival. The Tiruvutsavam is celebrated in the month of Medam from...