Aryankavu Sastha Temple, located in the Kollam district of Kerala, India, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Sastha, also known as Dharma Sastha. It is one of the 108 Sastha shrines in the state and is considered a key pilgrimage destination for those seeking divine blessings. Situated amidst lush greenery, the temple attracts pilgrims from various parts of India, particularly from Tamil Nadu.
Introduction to Aryankavu Sastha Temple
Aryankavu Sastha Temple is one of the five Pancha Sastha temples in Kerala and holds immense significance in Hindu worship. The temple is believed to have been consecrated by the sage Parashurama. The deity at this temple is Lord Sastha, and his idol here is unique, depicted as a young man riding an elephant with his consort Prabha (Pushkala) on the left side and Lord Shiva on the right. This temple is not only known for its spiritual importance but also for its interesting legend and history.
The Legend of Aryankavu Sastha Temple
The origin of the Aryankavu Sastha Temple is deeply intertwined with a fascinating story. According to the legend, a vendor from the Sourashtra community, who sold silk clothes to the Travancore kings, once traveled to the temple on his way to the royal family. He was accompanied by his wife and daughter. Due to the daughter’s slow pace, the family had to spend the night at the temple.
The next morning, the daughter expressed her desire to stay and worship Lord Sastha until the vendor’s return. The priest of the temple agreed, and the vendor continued his journey. On his return, he was confronted by an elephant with one tusk. In a moment of desperation, the vendor cried out to Lord Dharma Sastha for help. A handsome young man appeared and commanded the elephant to leave, saving the vendor’s life.
The young man then asked the vendor if he could marry his daughter, to which the vendor agreed. However, when the vendor returned to Aryankavu Temple, he was told by the priest that Lord Sastha had manifested himself in the form of the young man. The priest also informed him that the daughter had become part of the idol. This led to the temple’s unique worship practices, including an annual celebration of the wedding between Lord Sastha and Pushkaladevi.
The Architecture of Aryankavu Sastha Temple
The temple's architectural style is a blend of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu traditions, with murals and sculptures depicting various Hindu deities. One distinct feature of the Aryankavu Sastha Temple is its location, as it is built 35 feet below the road level. The temple has 18 steps leading up to the sanctum sanctorum, which is similar to the structure found in Sabarimala.
The idol of Lord Sastha at Aryankavu is depicted in an unusual form, sitting on an elephant, with his left leg folded and the right leg hanging down. The temple also houses idols of Devi and Lord Shiva on either side of Sastha.
Deities in the Sanctum
The sanctum sanctorum of the Aryankavu Sastha Temple is home to several deities:
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Lord Sastha: The central deity of the temple, depicted as a young man on an elephant.
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Devi: Positioned on the left side of Lord Sastha.
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Lord Shiva: Positioned on the right side of Lord Sastha.
Subordinate Deities
The temple also has separate shrines dedicated to other deities, including:
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Valiyakadutha: A guardian deity of the temple.
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Karuppaswami and Karuppayiamma: Protective deities worshipped by the locals.
Main Festivals and Rituals
The temple celebrates several important festivals throughout the year, with the two main ones being:
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Mandala Pooja (Dhanu): This festival coincides with the Sabarimala pilgrimage and is observed with great devotion.
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Trikalyanam (Sacred Wedding of Lord Sastha): The most special event of the temple's annual festivities. It is conducted on the 10th day of the Dhanu month. The wedding ceremony is symbolic, with the marriage never actually taking place. Lord Sastha is always worshiped as a bridegroom.
Other notable festivals include Pandiyan Mudippu and Kumbhabhishekam. These festivals are celebrated with grand rituals and are important events for the devotees of the region.
Unique Ritual: Thirukalyanam
One of the most unique features of Aryankavu Sastha Temple is the Thirukalyanam ritual. This is the only Sastha temple where the wedding ceremony of Lord Sastha is performed during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season. The ceremony includes a betrothal ritual, Pandiyan Mudippu, but the wedding is always symbolically postponed, with Lord Sastha remaining a bridegroom.
The temple has an exclusive Kalyana Mandapam (wedding hall), and the walls of the mandapam are adorned with erotic sculptures similar to those in the famous Khajuraho temples.
Temple Restrictions
One important restriction at the Aryankavu Sastha Temple is that women aged 10 to 50 are not permitted to enter the temple. This restriction is similar to the one observed in other Sastha temples such as Sabarimala.
Contact Details
For those planning a visit to the Aryankavu Sastha Temple, here are the contact details:
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Temple Name: Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Aryankavu
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Location: Aryankavu, Kollam District, Kerala, India
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Pin Code: 691309
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Phone: +91 475 2211566
Conclusion
The Aryankavu Sastha Temple is not just a place of worship but also a center of rich cultural traditions and spiritual significance. With its intriguing legends, unique rituals, and beautiful architecture, the temple continues to attract pilgrims from all over the country. Whether you’re seeking divine blessings or looking to learn about the fascinating history of Lord Sastha and his consort, the Aryankavu Sastha Temple is truly a place worth visiting.
