Narayan Ravi - Mumbai

Ayyappa

Sasthamkotta Sri Dharma Sastha temple.

The Sasthamkotta Sri Dharma Sastha temple is located in the Kollam district of Kerala, about 11 kms west of Adoor & 10 kms from Karunagapalli. The temple is said to have been built by a prince of the Panthalam royal family. It is believed that the deity here is 'Swayambhu' or 'self manifested' & has the same powers as the deity at Sabarimala. 'Kotta' in Malayalam means 'region of influence' or a place where one has absolute power & control. This place, being charged with the supreme power of Lord Dharma Sastha, is called 'Sasthamkotta'.

There are many monkeys in the temple premises & they are all considered divine. It is believed that Lord Hanuman stopped here awhile (or passed by) on His way to Lanka in search of Sita, & ever since a large number of monkeys have been found here. Devotees take great pleasure in feeding these monkeys nuts & fruits. There was a time when these monkeys used to snatch food from visiting pilgrims & children going to nearby schools & colleges. It was then that the court directed the Devaswom board of the temple to arrange for the regular feeding of these monkeys. A trust fund set up jointly with the temple board takes care of the feeding arrangements for these monkeys. On local festive occasions, feasts are held for them.

May Devadhideva - the Lord of Lords, bless one and all.

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa