PILIGRIM TOURISM
Erumeli Sastha Temple, an important meeting place in the pilgrimage
of Sabarimala is very famous. There is also a Muslim Temple
very near to the Sastha Temple. Ayyappan's go to Sabarimala
after worshipping at these two temples, which seems as a symbol
of the Hindu-Muslim uity. The pilgrims go to Sabarimala after
'Pettathullal' at Erumeli. Pilgrimage to Sabarimala without
Pettathullal and worship at the above mentioned temples are
not traditional. Erumeli Temple rests about 38 Kms. south from
Kottayam. Nearest Railway station is Kottayam. PANDALAM
VALIYAKOYICKAL TEMPLE
According to legend Ayyaappa as a babe was found lying of
the banks of the river Pampaa, by the Raja of Pandalam. The
Raja had no issues and the child was considered as a God-given
gift. It was therefore brought up in court with all regal
honours. Ayyappan grew up with heavenly splendour, super human
wisdom and physical powers. Sree Dharmaa Sastha of Pandalam
Valiyakoyickal Temple is Dharma Deva to King to Pandalam.
One of the Major events associated with the Makaravilakku
Festival is the procession of the Thiruvabharanam of Lord
Ayyappa from his Temple. The nearest town and railway station
is Chengannoor-12 Kms.
KULATHUPUZHA SASTHA TEMPLE
The Sastha Temple at Kulathupuzha is very ancient. The idol
at Kulathupuzha is called 'Manikantan'. It is believed that
the Temple was constructed by the Raja of Pandalam. But the
idol was discovered by a Brahmin from Kottarakkara after several
years and he staarted pooja there. The King of Kottarakkara
heared about this and the constructed the present temple.
Feeding to the fishes in the nearby river is an important
vazhipadu in the Temple.
ACHANKOIL SASTHA TEMPLE
Achankoil Sastha (Arachan) temple is a sacred place of worship
where pilgrims from Kerala and Tamilnadu come is group by
group through out the year. According to legends the God gave
'Darshan' to a worshipper who entered into a long term panance
at Kandamala where the temple situates. The main festivals
season, here come during Mandalam. The nearest town and railway
station is Shenkottah.
ARYANKAVU SASTHA TEMPLE
The legend behind the Ayyappa of Aryankavu is similar to
that of Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha. The only difference
between the two are that Sastha was brough up by the Pandi
Raja of Madura and not the Raja of Pandalam. The temple is
constructed about 35 feet below the road level. There is a
beautiful water fall known as 'Palaruvi' in the dense forest
area about two kilometres away from the temple premises.
It is believed that Ayyappa had relationship with Sourashtrans
while living in the palace of Raja of Madura. Even now Sourashtrans
reach here group during the time of Mandalapooja. The temple
rests 86 Kms. away from Thiruvananthapuram-Shenkottah road.
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