Location
- Situated in Thrikkunnapuzha, a
coastal village in Alappuzha District, Kerala.
- Just 150 meters from the seashore,
making it a spiritually and scenically rich destination.
Presiding Deity
- Lord Sree Dharma Sastha
is the main deity, worshipped in a rare form:
- With his consort and child,
a unique idol configuration not found elsewhere in Kerala.
- The idol is believed to be over
5000 years old, adding immense historical and spiritual value.
Sub-Deities (Upadevathas)
- Maha Vishnu
- Ganapathy
- Sree Durga
- Yakshi
- Nagayakshi
- Nagaraja
- Lord Muruga
(in the northeast corner of the temple compound)
Temple Highlights
- Known as Padinjare Pathinettampadi,
referring to the sacred 18 steps on the western side.
- Associated with Lord Parasurama,
who is believed to have consecrated the temple during his penance.
- A major center for Pithru Puja
and Balipindam, especially on Amavasya days and during Karkidakam.
- Hosts a 10-day annual festival
in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam.
- Popular offerings include:
- Kalabhabhishekam
- Appam
- Ganapathy Homam
- Bhagavathy Seva
- Panchamrutham
- Dhara
History &
Significance
- The temple is believed to be over
5000 years old, with the idol of Lord Dharma Sastha installed
in a rare form—alongside his consort and child, a configuration
unique in Kerala.
- According to legend, Lord
Parasurama consecrated the temple during his penance after the
Kshatriya massacre. He performed Pithru Puja and Thilahavanam
here to liberate the souls of the slain warriors.
- The temple was once the nerve
center of a local dynasty, and the surrounding land was temple-owned
until it was reclaimed under the Revenue Act of 1955.
- Known locally as Padinjare
Pathinettampadi, referring to the sacred 18 steps on the western side,
symbolizing spiritual ascent.
Rituals & Festivals
- Daily Pujas
include:
- Kalabhabhishekam
- Appam Nivedyam
- Ganapathy Homam
- Bhagavathy Seva
- Panchamrutham Abhishekam
- Dhara
- Pithru Puja & Balipindam:
- Especially significant during Amavasya
and the month of Karkidakam, when devotees offer prayers and food
to departed ancestors.
- Considered one of the most
spiritually potent places for ancestral rites in Kerala.
- Annual Festival:
- Held in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam,
lasting 10 days.
- Includes flag hoisting, cultural
programs, processions, and special abhishekams.
Beliefs & Devotional
Importance
- Worshipping Lord Dharma Sastha
here is believed to:
- Remove Shani Dosha (malefic
effects of Saturn)
- Grant prosperity, peace,
and ancestral blessings
- Offer spiritual protection
and family harmony
- The temple is a consolation center
for devotees, drawing pilgrims from across India and even abroad, as noted
in ancient writings.
Temple Hours
- Open Daily:
5:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- 5.00 pm to 8.00
pm
- No weekly off days; the temple
remains open all seven days
Getting There
By Train
- Nearest Station:
Haripad Railway Station
- Distance: Approx. 3.7 km from
the temple
By Road
- From Haripad, travel to Nangiarkulangara,
then head 6 km west to reach Thrikkunnappuzha Junction
- The temple is just 150 meters from
the Arabian Sea, offering a serene coastal backdrop
By Air
- Nearest Airport:
Cochin International Airport
- Approx. 110 km away; taxis and
buses are available for onward travel
Tips
Best Time to Visit:
- During Vrischikam month
(Nov–Dec) for the annual 10-day festival
- On Amavasya and Karkidaka
Vavu for Pithru Puja
- Dress Code:
- Traditional attire is recommended;
avoid western clothing inside the temple premises
- Offerings to Consider:
- Appam,
Kalabhabhishekam, Ganapathy Homam, Bhagavathy Seva,
and Balipindam
- Local Insight:
- The temple is deeply rooted in ancestral worship; many families visit annually to perform Balipindam for departed souls
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