Achankovil Sastha Temple

About Achankovil Sastha Temple:

Achankovil Shastha Temple, or the DharmasasthaTemple, is one among the four important temples dedicated 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 depicted along with his two wives - Purna and Pushkala.It is believed that the idol here was installed by Lord Parashurama. The Achankovil Sastha Temple is famous for curing poisonous snake bites. The left hand of the idol of Ayyappa at Achankoil Shastha Temple always holds 'Chandan' (sandalwood paste) and Thirtha (holy water). The Chandan and Thirtha are considered to have medicinal properties to cure snake bites.The temple complex also contains other deities associated with the Ayyappa legend. The festivals and rituals held here have strong Tamil roots.