Religious history of the district

In the ancient days, the people followed an independent religious philosophy related with Dravidian practices. Around 3rd Century B.C., Jainism and Buddhism came into the district. It was the Jainism that set foot in the region. For more than 700 years, Buddhism flourished in the southern region of Kerala. Influence of Buddhism was more in Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts than any other regions of Kerala. The Kavus (sacred groves) existed throughout these districts were once the Buddhist shrines. These sacred groves were not mere worship places but also educational institutions and martial training centres known as Kalari. Now almost all these sacred groves have been converted into temples. Revival of Hinduism by Brahmin scholars in 800-1000 AD gradually wiped out Buddhism from Kerala. Some argue that Buddha continued to be worshipped as Sastha or Ayyappa in Kerala and the recital of Swami Sharanam has been derived from Budham Sharanam. Efforts of Sri Sankaracharya and Bhakthi movement donated much for the promotion of Hinduism. However, a stratified society formed in Kerala causing divisions based on caste and social evils like untouchability. People belonging to lower castes were not allowed to enter temples. Chattambi Swamikal and Sree Narayana Guru, two renowned saints played significant roles for uplifting the down-trodden and against the evil practices in the society. Agitations like Vaikom Sathyagraha, Guruvayur Sathyagraha for temple entry and revolutionary movements that took place in the early 20th century paved path to Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936 by the Maharajah of erstwhile Travancore. Thereby the temples of erstwhile Travancore were opened to all Hindu believers irrespective of caste.  
Christianity came to Kerala in 52 A.D. One of the seven and half churches that Apostle Thomas established in Kerala is at Niranam in the district. Islam religion spread in the district after 7th Century A.D.  Muslims constitute a considerable portion in the population of the district. Communal harmony and religious tolerance are the remarkable characteristics of the people of the district.

Antiquity and deities:

Antiquity of the temples of district cannot be determined in terms of age of the idol or structures of the temple. The antiquity of each temple may, therefore, be decided based on legend or history. The deities of the district are mainly Goddess Bhadrakali or Bhagavathy, Lord Vishnu, Lord Siva, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Subramanya, Lord Sastha etc based on various kalpa or sankalpa (concept). According to the available data, Durga temples and Vishnu temples constitute largest number in the district. 54 per cent of temples are dedicated to Goddess Durga (Bhagavathy/Bhadrakali) (27%) and Lord Vishnu (27%). 19 per cent of the temples are dedicated to Lord Siva. Temples of Sastha Kalpa constitute 13 per cent. Temples of Subramanya Kalpa, Ganapathy Kalpa, combined Kalpa etc. constitute 14 per cent.

Administration:

In ancient periods, King or local chieftains are owned and administered temples. Some of the temples were owned by madams, tharawads or individuals. The present Kollam district was under the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. The area spreading from Kanyakumari at south to Angamali at north was under the regency of Maharaja of Travancore. During the regime of Regent Rani Gouri Lekshmi Bai (1810-1815), foreign supremacy was at its peak and Col.Munro, the British Resident brought all the 1471 temples of Travancore under the control of Government. In 1904, Travancore Religious & Endowment Regulation established control over the temples. In 1922 a separate department was formed exclusively to look after the matters of temples. After independence the Government of Travanocre–Cochin formed Travancore Devaswom Board and Cochin Devaswom Board and administrative control of all temples have been transferred to the Devaswom Boards. Travancore Devaswom Board controls more than 1200 temples of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and parts of Ernakulam districts. Though majority of temples are under the administrative control of Travancore Devaswom Board, a good number of temples are still governed by Trusts, committees of local people, spiritual organizations, individuals etc.

Temples governed by Travancore Devaswom Board

Other important temples

Sl.No.	Name of Temple	Location	Taluk	Concept
1	Adi Parasakthi Temple	Kozhenchery	Kozhenchery	Durga
2	Ainikkattil Amma Temple	Mallappally	Mallappally	Durga
3	Alamthuruthy Devi Temple	Thiruvalla	Thiruvalla	Durga
4	Bhadra Devi Temple	Panalam	Adoor	Durga
5	Bhadrakali Temple	Koorampala	Adoor	Durga
6	Bhagavathy Temple	Uzhuvath	Kozhenchery	Durga
7	Bhagavathykavu Temple	Konni	Kozhenchery	Durga
8	Chakkulathukavu Devi Temple	Thiruvalla	Thiruvalla	Durga
9	Devi Temple	Niranom North	Thiruvalla	Durga
10	Devi Temple	Ranni	Ranni	Durga
11	Devi Temple	Vaipur	Mallappally	Durga
12	Devi Temple	Kallooppara	Mallappally	Durga
13	Devi Temple	Vallikode	Kozhenchery	Durga
14	Devi Temple (Panayannar Kavu)	Parumala	Thiruvalla	Durga
15	Durga Devi Temple	Thannithodu	Kozhenchery	Durga
16	Duryodhana Tempel	Malanada	Adoor	Others
17	Ernakavu Devi Temple	Kavumbhagom	Thiruvalla	Durga
18	Ezhamkulam Devi Temple	Ezhamkulam	Adoor	Durga
19	Ezhumattoor Devi Temple	Ezhumatoor	Mallappally	Durga
20	Ganapathy Temple	Omallur	Kozhenchery	Ganapathy
21	Karanattukavu Devi Temple	Kavumbhagom	Thiruvalla	Durga
22	Kurampala Bhagavathy Temple	Pandalam	Adoor	Durga
23	Mahadeva Temple	Kalanjur	Adoor	Siva
24	Mahadeva Temple	Peringanad	Adoor	Siva
25	Mahadeva Temple	Perumpetty	Mallappally	Siva
26	Mahadeva Temple (Mulampuzha)	Pandalam	Adoor	Siva
27	Narayanapuram Temple	Manakkala	Adoor	Vishnu
28	Puthenkavu Devi Temple	Nedumprom	Thiruvalla	Durga
29	Sastha Temple	Podiyadi	Thiruvalla	Sastha
30	Sastha Temple (Chennampillil)	Adoor	Adoor	Sastha
31	Siva Temple	Ezhumattoor	Mallappally	Siva
32	Siva Temple	Kavumbhagom	Thiruvalla	Siva
33	Siva Temple	Vaipur	Mallappally	Siva
34	Siva Temple (Thumabamon)	Pandalam	Adoor	Siva
35	Sri Krishna Temple	Karanattukavu	Thiruvalla	Vishnu
36	Sri Krishna Temple	Kozhenchery	Kozhenchery	Vishnu
37	Sri Krishna Temple	Kaipuzha	Kozhenchery	Vishnu
38	Subramanya Temple	Paliakkara	Thiruvalla	Subramanya
39	Subramanya Temple	Cheruvally	Ranni	Subramanya
40	Thetalikkal Devi Temple	Niranom	Thiruvalla	Durga
41	Thirumalaida Mahadeva Temple	Mallappally	Mallappally	Siva
42	Vakayar Devi Temple	Konni	Kozhenchery	Durga

 

SREE VALLABHA TEMPLE, THIRUVALLA

Thiruvalla is considered as one of the 64 gramas (villages) established by Lord Parasurama after creating Kerala. Thiruvalla is situated near the Manimala River which is also known as Vallappuzha. Accordingly the region that situated on the banks of Vallappuzha came to be known as Thiruvallabhapuram (as it was common to prefix Thiru to show reverence) and later it has been shortened as Thiruvalla.  Some are of opinion that the area was a land of Vallavasor Shepeards.

Municipality: Thiruvalla
Village: Thiruvalla
Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvalla
Nearest Airport: International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram (125 km)

 Deity: Lord Mahavishnu having four arms holding Sanku, Chakra, Gada and Padma is the presiding deity.  Lord Siva, Lord Ganapathy, Goddess Parvathy, Lord Subhramonia Lord Sastha are the minor deities.

Festival: The annual festival that long for ten days is the major festival of the temple. It is celebrated in Kumbhom (February/March). Uthraseeveli in Meenom (March/April), Thiruvonam, Vishu, Thiruvathira are other important festival.

MAHAVISHNU (PARTHASARATHY) TEMPLE, ARANMULA

Location: Aranmula is situated between Chengannur (10 Km) and Pathanamthitta (14 km) on the banks of sacred Pamba River. This village is known as one among the 36 Brahmin villages of Kerala established by Lord Parasurama.

Panchayat:Aranmula
Village: Aranmula
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur (10 Km)
Nearest Airpot: Thiruvananthapuram Airport (125 Km)

Legend/History:  The Temple is an ancient one and considered as one of the 13 Thirupathies of Kerala that included in 108 Vaishnavite temples of India. [13 Thirupathies of Kerala are: Thiruvattar, Thiruppathysaram (now in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu), Thiruvananthapuram, Thrichittatt, Thiruvaranmula, Thrippuliyur, Thiruvanvandur, Thiruvalla, Thrikkodithanam, Thrikkakkara, Thirumoozhikkulam, Thirumittakkode and Thirunavaya]. The temple is also known as Parthasarathy Temple. It is believed that the idol of this temple was the idol that worshipped by Arjuna, the 3rd Pandava prince. He worshipped the idol on the bank of the famous Pampa River near Sabarimala, a forest region some distance way from Aranmula. The local people also worshipped the idol. Since the area was found to be insecure due to threat from criminals and wild animals, people migrated from the area with the sacred idol tying on a raft made of six bamboo poles. When they reached a place known as Aranmula today, they decided to settle down there and consecrated the idol. Then onwards the place is known as Aranmula, a combination of two words Aru (means six) and Mula (bamboo). Another legend has it that a temple was already there dedicated to Lord Balarama, the elder brother of Lord Sri Krishna and when the people from Nilakkal arrived with the idol of Lord Sri Krishna they decided to consecrate near his brother by following divine indications.  Yet another story says that Lord Sri Krishna himself appeared as a Brahmin sailed from Nilakkal on a raft made of six bamboo poles made by the tribal folk. However, Mahavishnu Temple at Aranmula is the most famous among the sacred Pancha Pandava Kshethras (Temples established by five Pandava brothers of Mahabharatha) of Kerala.  The massive outer wall was built in 1751 A.D.  A huge Anakottil is also there. The famous Uthrittathi Vallamkali (Boat race), a spectacular and unparallel celebration in commemoration with the belief that it was on the Uthrittathi asterism day of Chingom (August/September) the idol of Maha Vishnu was consecrated in Aranmula. The temple has been hailed as an example of Kerala architectural skill and man-made reputation for its elevated position to safe guard from the floods of river Pamba. The four Gopurams facing four directions believed to be guarded by four deities of the mountains, eighteen huge steps in front of eastern gopura, and fifty-seven steps leading from sacred Pamba River leading to the northern gopura are some other notable specialities of temple architecture.  A massive fire accident broke out in the year 1781 and the renovation of temple was completed in 1784. The temple was again renovated and its roof was covered with copper sheets in 1860. In olden days, the temple was owned and managed by Potties (Brahmins) of Pathillam. Now the temple is under Travancore Devaswom Board.

Deity: The idol of Mahavishnu carved out of black granite having five feet height, four armed holding Sanku, Chakra, Gada and Padma is the presiding deity. Though the idol is of Lord Maha Vishnu, He is known as Parthasarathy (chariot driver of Partha or Arjuna) here. Lord Siva, Lord Sastha, Lord Balabhadra, Nagaraja, Sapthamathakkal (Seven holy mothers – Brahmini, Maheswari, Kaumari, yshnavi, Varahi, Indrani, and Chamunda) are the minor deities.

Festival: Ashtami Rohini, the birthday of Sri Krishna is most auspicious festival of the temple.  The annual Festival of the temple is celebrated in Makarom (January/February) for 10 days is also important.

DHARMA SASTHA TEMPLE, SABARIMALA

Location: Sabarimala temple is located in a thick forest area of Western Ghats. Devotees can reach to Sabarimala only by walk from Pamba. Regular bus services are there to Pamba from various centres.

Panchayat: Ranni-Perunad
Village:Rammi-Perunad
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur (93 km from Pamba)
Nearest Airport: Thiurvananthapuram Airport (175 km from Pamba)

Significant Features: Dharma Sastha Temple at Sabarimala is one of the most important temples in India where millions of pilgrims visit every year. The temple is situated in the midst of 18 hills of Western Ghats at a height of 1200 M above sea level. The 18 steps that lead to sanctum sanctorum of the temple represent these 18 hills. The 18 hills are – Kanthamala (Ponnambalamedu), Sabarimala, Nilakkalmala, Thalapparamala, Goundermala, Puthusserimala, Inchipparamala, Kalakettymala, Mathangamala, Mayiladummedu, Thevarmala, Nagamala, Sundaramala, Chimbalamedu, Sreepadamala, Neelimala, Khadgimala, and Karimala.  Some believe that the steps represent 18 puranas (epics) of Hindu mythology.  Some other says that it represent 18 hurdles to attain salvation. Devotees on pilgrimage to Sabarimala should lead an austere life such as observance of celibacy, consumption of vegetarian food and keep aloof from all lust of earthly life for 41 days before pilgrim starts. The pilgrims should wear blue or black dresses, a Tulasi Mala (chain with pendent) walk barefoot and chant hymns of Ayyappa. The pilgrims should carry the bundle of offerings to Lord Ayyappa in a cotton bag prepared in accordance with rituals which is known as Pallikettu or Irumudikettu. At Sabarimala all pilgrims are considered equal and all of them address each other as Swamy. Women between the age of 10 and 50 are not allowed to enter to Sabarimala.
Legend/History: No authentic records are there to show the origin and antiquity of the temple. Hence it can be assessed depending on legends, folklores and poetic works such as Ayyappa Charitham, Bhoothanatha Sarvaswam etc.  The history of the temple can be traced back to the origin of Kerala. Legend says that Lord Parasurama established five temples dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali in the coastal region and five Sastha temples in the hilly tracts for the safety and prosperity of Kerala. Dharmasastha temple at Sabarimala is prominent among them. The other four Sastha temples are located at Aryankavu, Achankovil, Kulathupuzha (all in Kollam district), and Kanthamala (otherwise known as Ponnambalamedu) (in Pathanamthitta district). Lord Sastha or Ayyappa is also known as Hariharasutha i.e., the son of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and Haran (Lord Siva). Lord Ayyappa was born to Mohini, the female form of Mahavishnu on union with Lord Siva. The Maharaja of Pandalam happened to see the infant Ayyappa and brought Him to his palace. The queen, who apprehended the ascent of Ayyappa to the throne instead of her son, set a plot with the help of palace physician. Accordingly Ayyappa was deputed to the forest to bring the milk of tigress for preparing a rare medicine to cure queen’s phony illness. Ayyappa happily went to the forest and returned riding on a tiger followed by many tigresses. The conspirators bewildered athe sight and they realized that Ayyappa was not an ordinary man. Ayyappa then left the empire and decided to start penance in the forest. Some are of opinion that it was Pandya King who brought Ayyappa to his palace and appointed as the Commander-in-chief of his army. It is said that Ayyappa was deputed to suppress robbers of the hilly regions and on accomplishment, Ayyappa amalgamated with Lord Sastha of Sabarimala. It is also believed that Sabarimala is the place where Lord Ayyapa meditated soon after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi. Scholars are of opinion that Sastha and Ayyappa are not the same deities. Lord Sastha is a deity born to Lord Siva and Lord Maha Vishnu (in the female form of Mohini) while Ayyappa is a prince of Pandalam royal family. Sastha has two spouses while Ayyappa is a celibate. Some argue that Sastha is none other than Buddha.  The recital of Swami Sharanam has been derived from Budham Sharanam. However, many differs this view stating that the Lord Sastha was a warrior and Budha was an ardent preacher of peace and Sabarimala shrine was existed even before Buddhism reached Kerala.

The temple was owned by Pandalam dynasty. When Pandalam was merged to Travancore, the temple was also taken over by the Travancore Government. Now the temple administration is vested with Travancore Devaswom Board. However, the holy ornaments to adorn the deity during festival are kept at the Pandalam royal palace.  The temple was renovated several times due to theft, robbery in addition to fire accidents which occurred twice in 1902 and 1950. The existing structure of the temple was constructed after the fire incident of 1950.  The roof, walls and Sopana (steps) are covered with gold. This was done in the year

Deities: Lord Sastha in sitting position with chinmudra in right hand and faces to the east is the presiding deity. Vavar, friend of Ayyappa and a Sufi saint is one of the minor deities whose shrine is at the close proximity to the main temple as a testimony of secularism and communal harmony prevailing in Kerala. Malikappurathamma is another deity consecrated adjacent to the main temple. Malikappurathamma was a young woman who had been cursed to become Mahishi. Lord Ayyappa who killed Mahishi, gave salvation to the young woman. She then fell in love with Lord Ayyappa and proposed to marry Him. But He being a celibate declined her request.  However, He allowed her to remain in Sabarimala and would be worshipped by the pilgrims. Karappaswamy, another minor deity was a lieutenant of Lord Ayyappa. Nagaraja, Nagayakshi, Mala Daivangal (Hill Gods), Navagrahas (nine planets) are the other minor deities.

DEVI TEMPLE, MALAYALAPUZHA

Location: Malayalapuzha is located 8 km east of Pathanamthitta.
Panchayat: Malayalapuzha
Village: Malayalapuzha
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur (26 km)
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (113 km)

Legend/History: It is believed that this ancient temple existed before the commencement of 1st Century A.D. According to legend the idol of the Goddess was consecrated by two Brahmin pilgrims who were returning from Mookambika Temple of Kollur (Karnataka). They consecrated the idol in a house allotted by a Nair chieftain before the construction of existing temple. Later they entrusted the temple to two Brahmin families and continued their pilgrimage. The temple premise was a sacred grove and it is said that many saints observed penance here. The goddess is also known as Edathitta Bhagavathy. Earlier the temple was governed by Edappally Swaroopam. Now it is one of major temples of Travancore Devaswom Board.

Deity: Goddess Bhagavathy in the form of Bhadrakali after slaying Darika, the demon king is the presiding deity. The idol is made with Kadusarkarayogam. Lord Siva, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Sastha, Lord Subramanya, Rakshas, Nagaraja are the other deities.

Festival: Annual festival of the temple is celebrated for 11 days in the month of Kumbham (Februvary-March).

BHADRAKALI TEMPLE, MANNADI

Location: Mannadi is located 18 km west of Adoor.
Panchayat: Kadambanad
Village: Kadambanad
Nearest Railway Station: Kollam  (43 km)
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (113 km)

Legend/History: Legend says that the idol contains the divine power of Goddess Bhagavathy of Pattazhy. The temple was once owned by a local ruler known as Kambithan (a Nair title) of Pattazhy. When Kambithan established a new temple, he invoked the divine spirit of Goddess Bhagavathy of Pattazhi in an idol and consecrated here. The temple has historical importance also. It was here that Veluthambi Dalawa, the Prime Minister of Travancore between 1802 and 1809 and who rebel against British East India Company's supremacy in India, committed suicide when surrounded by the British force. This incident happened on 8th April, 1809. The temple is now under the administrative control of Travancore Devaswom Board.

Deity: Goddess Bhadrakali in the Roundra Bhava (fierce form) after slaying Darika, the demon king, is the principal deity.

Festival: Thrikkarthika in the month of Vrichikam (November-December) is the main festival. Annual festival is celebrated in the month of Kumbham (February-March).

REKTHAKANTASWAMY TEMPLE, OMALLUR

Location: Omallur is situated 12 km east of Pandalam and 4 km from the district headquarters.
Panchayat: Omallur
Village: Omallur
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur (34 Km)
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (105 km)

Legend/History: In ancient period, the place was known as Nallur It was after the consecration of Omkaramoorthy (Infinite Almighty) that the name was changed as Om Nallur which was later transformed as Omallur. The temple traces its history to 8th century AD. The legend behind the establishment of the temple is as follows: Once Lord Brahma and Lord Maha Vishnu decided to find out the length of Sivalinga. Lord Brahma started journey upwards and Lord Maha Vishnu downwards. Even after several years of journey they could not reach their destinations. Lord Brahma claimed that He reached topmost and produced a flower of screw pine as evidence. Realising that Lord Brahma was telling lie, Lord Siva slash one of His heads. Lord Vishnu caught hold of the slashed head without falling to the earth and consecrated at Kallalil, a near-by village of Omallur. Years later a competition was held at Kallalil village by two rival groups. The defeated group took the idol and threw into the Achankovil River. The spirit of the idol took the form of a flower and a boy who was taking bath in the river with his mother caught hold of it. Then the Lord revealed Himself before them and directed to build a temple there for him.  Omallur temple was a pilgrim centre on way to Sabarimala. The temple is under the administrative control of the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Deity: Omkaramoorthy (Parabrahma-Infinite God) is the presiding deity. The stone idol symbolizes no image. But pooja (worship) is done on the sankalpa (concept) that the deity is Lord Sastha. Lord Siva, Goddess Bhagavathy, Lord Ganapathy, Saptha Mathrukkal (Seven holy mothers – Brahmini, Maheswari, Kaumari, yshnavi, Varahi, Indrani, and Chamunda), Nagaraja, Naga Yakshi are the minor deities.

MAHADEVA TEMPLE, KAVIYUR

Location: Kaviyur is located 8 km north-west of Thiruvalla. Earlier Kaviyur was a forest region occupied by monkey herds and hence the place was known as Kapiyur (land of monkeys) which was later changed as Kaviyur.
Panchayat: Kaviyur
Village: Kaviyur
Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvalla (8 km)
Nearest Airport: International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram (133 km)

Legend/History: It is believed that the idol of Sivalinga had been brought by Lord Hanuman and consecrated by Sree Rama on His return from Lanka after slaying Ravana, the demon king. Two inscriptions at the temple of 950 AD and 951 AD show that the temple was established during 1st Century A.D. Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Mahadeva (Siva), it is popularly known as Hanuman temple. Lord Hanuman is worshipped with equal importance of principal deity. The shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman was given special status by virtue of the orders of Travancore Maharaja in 1940. The idol of Goddess Parvathy was consecrated in 1892 A.D. by the then Maharaja Sri Mulam Thirunal.

Deity: Lord Siva is the principal deity. Lord Hanuman, Lord Maha Vishnu, Naga Yakshi are the minor deities. Separate shrines are there for each minor deity.

Festival: Annual festival is celebrated for 10 days in the month of Dhanu (December-January).  Sivarathri and Hanuman Jayanthi are the other two important festivals.

THRIKKAKUDY CAVE TEMPE (MAHA DEVA TEMPLE), KAVIYUR

Location: Kaviyur is located 8 km north-west of Thiruvalla. Earlier Kaviyur was a forest region occupied by monkey herds and hence the place was known as Kapiyur (land of monkeys) which was later changed as Kaviyur.
Panchayat: Kaviyur
Village: Kaviyur
Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvalla (8 km)
Nearest Airport: International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram (133 km)

Legend/History:  Cave temples are rare in Kerala. There are seven cave temples in the State. They are located at (1) Vizhnijam, (2) Madavoorpara, (3) Thrikkakudy, (4) Kottukkal, (5) Kallil, (6) Irunilakkode, and (7) Thiruvegappura. Among these temples, Thrikkakudy cave temple is the oldest one. Historians are of opinion that the temple was constructed during 7th Century A.D.by the Pallava king Mahendra Vara (600-630 A.D.). The cave is about 20 feet broad with a height of 8feet divided by two pillars and facing west. Legend says that the cave temple was constructed by the Bhoothaganas (servants) of Lord Siva within a night, but they could not complete before dawn and hence it remains as incomplete. It is believed that Pandava borthers reside here during their exile days. Since 1965 the cave temple has been declared as a protected monument by the Government of Kerala. The temple administration is vested with the Travancore Devaswom Board. 

MAHADEVA TEMPLE, NILAKKAL

Location: Nilakkal is located 45 km from Pathanamthitta on the Pathanamthitta-Sabarimala route.
Panchayat: Ranni-Perunad
Village: Ranni-Perunad
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur (62 km)
Nearest Airport: International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram (155 km)

Legend/History: It is believed that this temple was constructed by the Pandya Kings who used to stay at Nilakkal forest region for hunting. Lord Mahadeva, the presiding deity of the temple, is considered as the father of Lord Sastha. This ancient temple was considered equal to Sabarimala temple. In the course of time the temple ruined and many portions damaged. Remnants of such ruins can be seen there. Many pilgrims to Sabarimala halt here for worship. The temple administration is vested with the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Deity: Lord Mahadeva (Siva) is the principal deity. Lord Ganapathy is the minor deity.

SASTHA TEMPLE, PANDALAM

Location: Pandalam is located 10 Km north of Adoor and 13 km south of Chengannur. The name of place has been derived from the word Panthirand Alangal (twelve regions or twelve villages) which was shortened in the course of time as Pandalam.

Panchayat: Pandalam
Village: Pandalam
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur (13 km)
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (105 km)

Legend/History: Legend says that it was the Raja of Pandalam happened to see the infant Lord Ayyappa in the forest and brought Him to his palace. Pandalam royal family was a branch of Pandya dynastry. It was Pandalam Raja who established the temple adjoining to his palace. Lord Sastha or Ayyappa was the tutelary deity of Pandalam royal family. The temple was taken over by the Government of erstwhile Travancore in 1811 along with other 347 temples of Travancore. Now the temple is under the Travancore Devaswom Board. The control of Sabarimala temple was vested with the Pandalam royal family. Since they could not conduct the temple rituals properly, the Government took over the administration of Sabarimala temple. However, the holy ornaments of Lord Sastha are still kept at the Pandalam palace itself. The famous procession carrying the ornaments known as Thiruvabharana Ghosha Yathra starts from Pandalam to Sabarimala duly accompanied by the Raja of Pandalam.

Deity: Lord Sastha is the principal deity. Malikapurathamma is also worshipped as a minor deity.

DURYODHANA TEMPLE, MALANADA

Location: Malanada is located approximately 25 km north-east of Kottarakkara and 14 km from Adoor.
Panchayat: Poruvazhy
Village: Poruvazhy
Nearest Railway Station: Kayamkulam (28 km) /Kollam (34 km)
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (94 km)

Legend/History: This is the only temple in South India dedicated to Duryodhana, the chief antagonist of Pandavas of Mahabharatha epic. (There are temples dedicated to Duryodhana in North India). Legend says that in his efforts to trace out the Pandavas in exile, Duryodhanan pass through the forests in the south and reached Malanada hills. Seeing a house nearby Duryodhana asked drinking water. An aged woman gave him toddy which was readily available there instead of water. The house belonged to a Kurava, an untouchable lower caste. However, Duryodhana pleased and thanked the lady. Then he worshipped Lord Siva for the welfare of the local people. He also a large area agricultural land to build a temple not only dedicated to him but to his mother and relatives. It is said that the land tax of the temple property is being levied in the name of Duryodhana. Toddy (liquor tapped from coconut tree) is the ritual offering in the temple. The priest of the temple is selected from the Kurava community. The administration of the temple is vested with a committee elected from the seven local karas (village). The NSS and SNDP nominate two representatives each to the committee. 

Deity: There is no idol in the temple. Instead, a raised platform called Althara where it is believed that the divine power exists. Duryodhana is worshipped by the local people as Malayappoppan. There are sub-shrines dedicated to the Gandhari, Duryodhana’s mother and his near relatives such as Bheeshma, Drona, Karna,Sakuni and Dussala

Festival: The annual festival known as Malakkuda is celebrated in Meenam (March-April). Pallippana, a ritual believed to be capable of eliminating the evil spirits is performed in the temple once in 12 years.