Narayan Ravi - Mumbai

Ayyappa

Thiruvullakkavu Sri Dharma Sastha Temple.

The Thiruvullakkavu Sri Dharma Sastha temple is located at Cherpu in Thrissur district of Kerala. The presiding deity is Sri Dharma Sastha in a standing posture, holding a bow & an arrow.

Sri Dharma Sastha here is revered as the God of learning & wisdom. Scores of children are intiated into the world of learning at this temple, & those who begin their education here are sure to become scholars. Except the day of the Hastham star in the month of Meenam (March-April) & Mahanavami (during Navaratri), Vidyarambham or the ritual for beginning of education is conducted on all days.

Legends say that the temple is as old as civilization itself. It remained forgotten for a long period of time, hidden in the forests, till Sri Dharma Sastha manifested Himself again. Vilwamangala Swamiyar, the great saint who has been associated with many great temples of Kerala, happened to visit the great temple of Lord Shiva at Peruvanam nearby. It was then that He was blessed with the vision of Lord Shiva holding Sri Dharma Sastha in His hand. Hence the name 'Thiruvullakayyur' (Ullam Kai means hand (inner portion) in Malayalam & Thiru refers to Lord Shiva). This name later changed to Thiruvullakkavu.

May Abhaya Dayaka - the one who protects & banishes our fears, bless one and all.

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa