Achankovil

Situated deep in the forest, the sovereign deity of Achankovil Temple in Kollam is Lord Ayyappa. It is believed that the idol at the temple was sacred by Lord Parasurama (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) himself. It is between the legendary Lord Sastha temples; some of the others bring the Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, Sabarimala, and Kanthamala temples. Devotees come here in large numbers to pray and legend has it that it is a place where one can cure poisonous snake bites.

The journey here confirms one meets the beautiful Manalar Waterfalls and the gorgeous Kumbuvurutty Waterfalls on their way.

History and highlights of the Achankovil :

Achankovil Shastha Temple, or the Dharmasastha Temple, is one of the five significant temples devoted to Lord Ayyappa in Kerala. Lord Ayyappa leads the Grihastha Ashrama life here – he is depicted as a family man or leads married life here. He is described along with his two wives – Purna and Pushkala.

This magnificent temple is located amid the lush green forests of the Western Ghats in Kandamala, near Kollam. Legend has it that, it is the same place where God Ayappa, gave 'Darshan' (showed presence) to Lord Parasurama, who entered into a long term penance. The idol of Ayyappa at this temple is called Rudraksha Shila and the two important festivals that take place here are Mandala Pooja and a festival held at 'Revathi' (January –February).

How to reach:

Through Punalur - Alimukku – Karavoor – Mullumala – Achankovil (approx 85 km from Kollam). The road is seemingly in poor shape in sections inside the forest and not suitable for sedans/hatchbacks. However, seemingly KSRTC and MUV's/SUV's are can be a useful vehicle. Also, assume area dominance patrols by wild elephants.

The second option is via Punalur - Thenmala - Aryankavu – Shengottai (before the town, take the left turn - Panpoli - Achankovil (approx. 117 km from Kollam). The road has a good surface, albeit one-vehicle track once the ascent into the forest begins.

Interesting Facts and Trivia about Achankovil temple:

The temple is also known for the treatment of poisonous snake bites. It is assumed that the sandal paste in the hands of the idol of the Dharma Sasta has an astonishing cure for the snake toxin. So, the people take this paste along with some water, presented by the chief priest from the temple well, as medicine for poisonous snake bites. The renowned Achankovil River flows through this region and is an essential part of Achankovil Temple.

Places to visit within and near to Achankovil

• Meenmutty Falls

• Peppara wildlife sanctuary

• Kallar

• Agasthyamalai biosphere rese

• koyikkal palace, nedumangad

• Sri Krishna swami temple

• Shendurney wildlife sanctuary

• Thenmala Dam has been here adding to trip Periyar national park and wildlife safari

• Sabarimala Temple

• Suspension Bridge

• Periyar Tiger Trail

• Chenduruny wildlife sanctuary

• Leisure Zone

• Periyar Lake

Rituals and ceremonies :

The Malampandaram local people of Achankovil has no shrines/temples and do not observe any formal ritual practices and have no specific religious affiliations. They do not give much importance to ritualize the life cycle events such as birth, puberty, and death. Religious beliefs of Malampandaram is distinct in being un-iconic (i.e., not venerating the images of deities, but the crests of mountains) and is focused on the contacts, through possession rites of localized Mala Devi (hill spirits).

However, occasional ritual offerings were made by people of the new generation on festive occasions like Onam and Mandalapooja (December) at village temples of God Aiyappan and Murugan or local shrines established in forest areas by the labourers. They are not observing the proper rituals of Hinduism. The spiritual beliefs of the Malampandaramare: (i) Mala Devi (hill spirits) and (ii) Chavu (ancestral ghosts or shades). Mala Devi is equated to a supernatural spirit associated with a particular hill or rock cliffs. It is believed that every 8 square kilometers of the forest has a Mala Devi and her spiritual power guards the forest.

An element of forest conservation is implied in this sort of nature worship. The concept of family worship is noted in Chavo. This ancestral shade is linked to particular families, but as the hill spirits, their influence is mainly beneficent, giving protection against misfortune and offering advice in times of need.

Tips for planning the travelling in Achankovil :

• A very good condition road from Tamil Nadu is available to reach there. There are no restaurants there to occupy a crowd. You can have a cup of tea at the small tea shops on the roadsides.

• You can visit a very nice and peaceful and calm temple. Situated & surrounded by the Western Ghat hills.

• Heart patients and Asthma patients please avoid trekking.

• If you love to drive through the forest, this is the best route. You can start with Konni and end up in Tenkasi. Nothing is more beautiful than to feel the loveliness of the woods before sunrise.

FAQs and Information-

The importance of Achankovil

The evergreen forests and the Temple of Lord Ayyappa.

Distance

104 Km from Thiruvananthapuram and 30 Km from Schenkotta

Facilities available

Pilgrimage, Achenkovil River, Waterfalls, Trekking, Visit to teak plantation

Entrance Fee/Service Charges

Rs 10/- per person