Overview.

Sasthamcotta Shri Dharma Sastha temple is one of the five ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, also known as Dharma Sastha, in Kerala. Along with AchanKoil, Aryankavu, Kulathupuzha, and Sabarimala, it represents the unison of Vaishnava and Saiva beliefs. The temple's presiding deity is Shri Dharma Sastha, who is accompanied by his consort Prabha and son Sathyaka. According to legend, the temple's history dates back to the period of the Ramayana, when Lord Rama and his entourage stopped at Sasthamcotta on their way back to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Lord Rama performed the pithru tharpan ritual on the banks of the Sasthamcotta Lake, which is said to contain water identical to the Surya Raga Theertha of Manasa Sarovar. The temple's association with the Ramayana also includes the story of Neelan, the chief architect of Lord Rama's vanara team, who is believed to have served his host in Sasthamcotta. Neelan is regarded as the predecessor of the monkey clan that still resides in the temple today. The Sasthamcotta Shri Dharma Sastha temple is an important pilgrimage destination for devotees of Lord Ayyappa and attracts large crowds during festival seasons. Its historical and cultural significance is further enhanced by its connection to the Ramayana and the legend of Neelan.

5:30AM–11:30AM, 5:00PM–8:00PM