Explore Chamravattam Sastha Temple: History, Worship & How to Reach

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Location Overview

  • Place: Chamravattam, near Tirur, Malappuram District, Kerala
  • Setting: Situated on a serene island formed by two branches of the Bharathapuzha River
  • Distance: Approximately 13 km from Tirur town
  • Access: Reachable via Chamravattam Bridge, with scenic views of the river and temple surroundings

Presiding Deity

  • Main Deity: Lord Sastha (Ayyappa)
    • Worshipped as a manifestation of Dharma Sastha
    • Believed to be a Swayambhu (self-manifested) idol
    • Mythologically linked to the divine union of Lord Shiva and Mohini

Subshrines and Mythological Roots

  • Subshrines:
    • Ganapathy
    • Nagaraja
    • Devi
    • Shiva
    • Parashurama (associated with the temple’s origin)
  • Mythological Significance:
    • Parashurama is said to have installed the original idol
    • Sabari Maharishi later rediscovered and consecrated the murti
    • The region was once known as Shambara Vattam, later evolved into Chamravattam

Temple Significance

  • One of the 108 Sastha temples in Kerala
  • Revered for its spiritual energy and natural setting
  • Hosts major festivals like:
    • Prathishta Dinam (Makaram) – commemorating the deity’s installation
    • Akhanda Namajapam (Vrischikam) – uninterrupted chanting for peace and well-being
  • Unique Rituals:
    • A variety of Pushpanjalis and Homams for health, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment
    • Chuttuvilakku and Niramala are performed for redemption and fulfillment of desires

Major Festivals

1. Prathishta Dinam (Makaram – Jan/Feb)

  • Celebrates the installation of the deity.
  • Special poojas, abhishekam, and prasadam distribution mark the occasion.
  • Devotees gather to honor the divine presence and seek blessings for health and prosperity.

2. Akhanda Namajapam (Vrischikam – Nov/Dec)

  • Involves uninterrupted chanting of sacred mantras for several hours or days.
  • Creates a meditative and spiritually charged atmosphere.
  • Aims to invoke peace, collective well-being, and divine grace.

3. Annual Utsavam (Dhanu – Dec/Jan)

  • A 10-day festival starting from Dhanu 1st.
  • Includes daily deeparadhana, pushpanjali, homams, and cultural programs.
  • Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday are considered especially auspicious.

Daily & Special Rituals

  • Panapayasa Nivedyam – Sweet rice offering for health and fulfillment of wishes
  • Chuttuvilakku – Lighting of lamps around the temple for spiritual illumination
  • Pushpanjali & Homam – Floral offerings and fire rituals for purification and blessings
  • Niramala – Garland and lamp decorations adorning the temple during special occasions
  • Boat Pooja – During monsoons, the priest performs rituals by boat due to temple’s island setting

Devotional Significance

  • Believed to cure ailments and remove obstacles through sincere prayer
  • The temple’s serene location enhances the spiritual experience
  • Rituals are deeply rooted in Kerala’s Sastha worship traditions, connecting devotees to ancient dharmic practices

Temple Timings

Morning Session

  • 5:00 AM – Nada Thurakkal (Temple Opening)
  • 5:05 AM – Nirmalyam (Removal of previous day’s offerings)
  • 5:30 AM – Ganapathy Homam (Fire ritual to invoke Lord Ganesha)
  • 7:30 AM – Usha Pooja (Morning worship)
  • 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM – Ucha Pooja (Midday offerings and rituals)
  • 12:00 PM – Temple Closes

Evening Session

  • 5:00 PM – Temple Reopens
  • 6:30 PM – Deeparadhana (Lamp worship)
  • 7:30 PM – Athazha Pooja (Night offering)
  • 8:30 PM – Temple Closes for the Day

Beliefs & Spiritual Significance

  • Lord Sastha (Ayyappa) is worshipped here as a Swayambhu (self-manifested) deity, believed to be installed by Parashurama and later rediscovered by Sabari Maharishi.
  • The temple is one of the 108 Sastha temples in Kerala, revered for its spiritual potency and natural sanctity.
  • Devotees believe that sincere prayers here can:
    • Cure ailments
    • Remove obstacles
    • Bring peace and prosperity
  • The temple’s location—on an island formed by the Bharathapuzha River—is considered spiritually charged and ideal for meditation and ritual purity.

Getting Here

  • Nearest Town: Tirur (approx. 13 km away)
  • District: Malappuram, Kerala
  • Access Route:
    • Reach Tirur via rail or road
    • From Tirur, take local transport or drive via Chamravattam Bridge
    • The temple is located about 100 meters inward from the river Nila

Note: During monsoon, access may require boats due to rising water levels around the temple island.

Tips

  • Plan around temple timings: Morning darshan begins at 5:00 AM and evening session starts at 5:00 PM. Temple closes at 12:00 PM and 8:30 PM.
  • Visit during festivals: Prathishta Dinam (Makaram) and Akhanda Namajapam (Vrischikam) are spiritually powerful and culturally vibrant.
  • Carry essentials: Water, umbrella, and light snacks—especially during peak seasons or monsoon.
  • Footwear: Leave footwear at designated areas; the temple island is best explored barefoot.
  • Dress modestly: Traditional attire is preferred to maintain sanctity.
  • Photography: Respect temple rules—some areas may restrict photography.
  • Stay options: Lodging available in Tirur; book early during festival seasons.

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