Aryankavu Dharmasasthavu Temple: Rituals, Festivals & Travel Guide

Location

Deities

Main Deity: Lord Ayyappa (Aryankavu Ayyan or Tiruaryan) in a youthful seated posture on an elephant

History & Architecture

Believed to be consecrated by Sage Parashurama
One of the five major Sastha temples in Kerala (alongside Sabarimala, Kulathupuzha, Achankovil, and Kanthamala)
Built 11 meters below road level, beside the Rajakoop stream, a tributary of the Kallada River
Features 18 sacred steps, similar to Sabarimala
Architectural blend of Kerala wooden craftsmanship and Tamil stone sculpting
Preserves murals of Hindu deities and follows Dravidian style

Temple Highlights

One of the five sacred Sastha temples in Kerala, alongside Sabarimala, Kulathupuzha, Achankovil, and Kanthamala.
Unique depiction of Lord Ayyappa as a youthful prince seated on an elephant, flanked by Pushkaladevi and Lord Shiva.
Celebrated for the Thiru Kalyanam festival in December, symbolizing Ayyappa’s divine wedding.
Rituals follow Tamil traditions, while architecture blends Kerala and Tamil styles.
Women aged 10 to 50 are traditionally restricted, similar to Sabarimala customs

Architecture

Built 11 meters below road level, nestled beside the Rajakoop stream.
Features 18 sacred steps, echoing Sabarimala’s spiritual symbolism.
Combines Kerala’s wooden craftsmanship with Tamil Nadu’s stone sculpting.
Adorned with murals of Hindu deities and intricate carvings.

History & Legends

Believed to be consecrated by Sage Parashurama, the legendary creator of Kerala.
The name Aryankavu derives from Aryan (Shasta) and Kavu (sacred grove).
According to legend, Lord Ayyappa married Pushkaladevi, a Saurashtra princess, at Aryankavu. The wedding rituals still follow Saurashtra customs, performed in a dedicated mandapam.
The original idol was made of Anjanapashanam stone, later replaced with Panchaloha (five-metal alloy).

Major Festivals

Thiru Kalyanam (Divine Wedding)

Celebrated in Dhanu month (December).
Marks the marriage of Lord Ayyappa to Pushkaladevi, a Saurashtra princess.
Rituals follow Saurashtra Brahmin customs, performed in a dedicated Mandapam.
Symbolizes harmony between Kerala and Tamil traditions.
Women pray for marital blessings and prosperity.

Mandala Pooja & Makaravilakku Season

Daily & Special Rituals

18 sacred steps must be climbed with devotion, echoing Sabarimala’s spiritual path.
Women aged 10–50 are traditionally restricted, maintaining celibate sanctity.

Beliefs & Devotional Significance

Lord Ayyappa is worshipped in his youthful form seated on an elephant, symbolizing valor and divine grace.
The temple is believed to grant marital harmony, mental peace, and protection from evil forces.
Devotees believe that prayers here are especially potent during Thiru Kalyanam, as the divine union is reenacted annually.

Scriptural & Legendary References

Temple consecration is attributed to Sage Parashurama, the mythical founder of Kerala.
The legend of Ayyappa’s marriage to Pushkaladevi is rooted in regional folklore, not found in mainstream Puranas, but preserved through oral traditions and temple songs.
The name Aryankavu itself is derived from:

Temple Hours

Morning: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
These timings are consistent year-round, with extended hours during festival days like Thiru Kalyanam and Mandala Pooja.

Getting Here

By Road

By Train

By Air

Travel Tips

Footwear: Leave shoes at designated racks before entering the temple.
Entry Restrictions: Women aged 10–50 are traditionally not permitted inside.
Offerings: Popular ones include Pushpabhishekam, Swayamvara Archana, and Ganapathy Homam.
Festivals: Visit during Thiru Kalyanam (December) for a unique cultural experience blending Tamil and Kerala traditions.
Nearby Attractions: Don’t miss Palaruvi Waterfalls, just 2 km away—a serene spot for pilgrims and nature lovers.