Narayan Ravi - Mumbai

Ayyappa

Ariyankavu Ayyappa Temple.

Ariyankavu is a village in the Kollam district of Kerala. It is famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa as a teenager. Ayyappa is known as 'Thiru Aryan' & hence the name 'Ariyankavu' - the temple for the great Aryan (Kavu meaning temple in Malayalam). The temple lies on the Trivandrum-Tenkasi highway. The temple is built 35 feet below road level & is known for its beautiful mural paintings.

A young Lord Ayyappa sits in the sanctum sanctorum (innermost room of the central shrine) flanked by Devi on His left & Lord Shiva on His right. It is believed that Sri Dharma Sastha married Pushkala Devi here. Just like the Sabarimala temple, women in the age group of 10-50 are not allowed inside the temple.

May Ariyankavu Ayya - the Supreme Master residing at Ariyankavu bless one and all.

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa