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

 

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.