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Explore the other major Ayyappa temples in Kerala
Located at Choondal in Thrissur district, Thayankavu Sastha Temple is among the most-visited Sastha temples in Kerala. The deity in the temple is seated along with his wife and son, which makes the temple unique. The idol of the temple faces East and is believed to be Swayambhoo (self-born). The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Ganapathy, Bhagavathi, Shiva, Ayyappan and Ovil Ittiashan. Thiruvonam Oottu conducted in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October – November) is one of the important events associated with the temple. Yet another interesting aspect of the temple is that the oracle in the temple “pattu” and “churika” instead of the traditional “chilambu” and “aramani”.
Located at Kodakara in Thrissur district, Medamkulangara Sastha Temple is one among the most revered Sastha temples in Kerala. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Dharma Sastha. Legends say that the idol of the lord was discovered here many years ago. Later, the temple, as we see it today was built around the idol. A simple structure that reflects the charm of traditional Kerala architecture, Medamkulangara Sastha Temple complex also includes an idol of Lord Vishnu. Medamkulangara temple is also one of the few temples that participate in the grand Arattupuzha Pooram.
Believed to have been consecrated around 2000 years ago, the Chakkamkulangara Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is located at Thalore in the district of Thrissur. One of the unique features of the temple is that the rays of the setting sun fall directly on the face of the idol. Devotees sprinkle the “theertham” (holy water) on their eyes and faces, in a belief that this will cure eye diseases. The main “vazhipadu” or offering in the temple is a talisman in the form of a human eye carved out of silver or gold. The main festival in the temple is the “Punartham Vilakku”, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Meenam.
Located in the village of Thakazhy in the district of Alappuzha in Kerala, the Thakazhi Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is visited by devotees from far and wide. The Thakazhi temple is a fine example of simple and traditional Kerala temple architecture. Legends has it that the temple was originally in a hill named Otharmala. The temple floated in a huge flood that followed heavy rain and reached Thakazhi. The main festival of the temple falls in the Malayalam months of “Kumbham”and is 8 days long. “Kalamezhuthu Pattu” is a popular ritual associated with the temple. One of the main offerings in the temple is the “Valiyenna”that is believed to have healing powers to cure various ailments.
Surrounded on three sides by the largest freshwater lake in Kerala, the Sasthamkotta Sri Dharma Sastha Temple has legends that stretch beyond the period of Ramayana. Located in the village of Sasthamkotta in Kerala, the temple and surroundings are famous as a natural habitat for monkeys. The presence of monkeys in these premises are considered divine. The annual temple festival here lasts for 10 days and the final day hosts the Kettukazcha – a procession that include effigies of bullocks, horses, decorated chariots and so on.