Temples

Achankovil Dharmasastha Temple
Achencoil alias Achankovil is an important pilgrim centre in Pathanamthitta district located 40kms from Nilambur. Believed to be consecrated by Lord Parasurama, the Dharmasastha temple here, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa attracts pilgrims from Kerala and Tamilnadu through out the year specially during the Sabarimala season. This ancient temple is located amidst dense forests of Kandamala, where the God is said to have given 'Darshan' to a worshipper who entered into a long term penance. Here the idol of the main deity, Ayyappa is called Rudraksha Shila. The two important festivals of this temple are Mandala Pooja (December-January) and the festival held at 'Ravathi' (January-February).

The temple is also famous for snake bite treatment. The sandal paste in the hands of the idol of Dharma Sasta is believed to have miraculous cure for snake toxin. Apart from applying this paste on the bitten area, the victims are offered the water from the temple well by the chief priest. The famous Achankovil river flows by this temple

Pandalam Valiyakoyickal Temple
Located 15 kms away from Pathanamthitta on the banks of Achankovil river, is the Valiyakoyickal Temple of Sri Dharma Sastha. Believed to be constructed by the Raja of Pandalam, this Ayyappa shrine has been modeled on the Sabarimala temple. Pilgrims usually stop here to worship before proceeding to Sabarimala. One of the major events associated with the 'Makaravilaku' festival is the procession carrying the 'Thiruvabharanam' (sacred ornaments) of Lord Ayyappa from the Valiyakoyical temple to Sabarimala. This is performed three days prior to makaravilakku.

According to legends, Ayyappa as a babe was found lying of the banks of the river Pampa, by the Raja of Pandalam. The Raja considered the child as a God-given gift and brought him up royally. Young Ayyappan had heavenly splendour, super human wisdom and physical powers.

Sabarimala Temple
Sabarimala, the renowned pilgrim center located in Sahyadri mountains at an altitude of 914 m above sea level lies at a distance of 72 km from Pathanamthitta. Surrounded by hazardous hills like Karimala and Neelimala, Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples that is constructed in the ancient style of architecture. The main deity, Sri Ayyappan is said to have meditated here after killing the demon Mahishi. The pilgrim season begins in the month of November and ends in January and during these days, the temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad.  Read more

Pampa Maha Ganapathi Temple
The Mahaganapathi Temple at Pampa, 60kms from Pathanamthitta town and 8 Kms from Sabarimala, has an important roll in the Sabarimala pilgrimage as it is the main halting point. The temple is reached by climbing about 102 steps. Breaking of coconuts is the main offering here. Neelimala, Appachimedu, Sabareepeedam, Saramkuthi are the other holy places enroute.
Contact Address: 
Mahaganapathi Temple
Pampa, Sabarimala, Pathnamthitta Dist.
Phone : 04735 - 202266.

Kodumon Chilanthiyambalam
Chilanthiyambalam is situated about 16 kms from Pathanmathitta town in Kodumon panchayat . It is believed that this temple was constructed during the reign of the last king of the Sakthibhadra Kingdom. The deity of the temple, Mahalakshmi is worshipped by all people irrespective of caste and creed. In the temple premises, there is a Chilaanthikinar (Spider well) and the water from it is considered as the universal remedy for skin diseases. Kodumon is also the birth place of Sree Shakthi Bhadra, author of 'Ascharya Chudamani'.

Malayalappuzha Devi Temple
The Bhagavathy temple at Malayalapuzha, supposed to be more than 3000 years old, lies about 8kms from Patthanamthitta. Constructed in ancient style of architecture, the temple is famous of its beautiful wall paintings and artistic stone carvings and is situated atop a hill. The idol of the main deity, Goddess Bhadrakali popularly known as 'Malayalapuzha Amma' is about 5.5 feet tall and is made of a mixture of molasses, clay and herbs. The Goddess is noted for granting favours; especially for getting unmarried girls married, protecting devotees from enemies, helping business flourish, getting employment and in general extending prosperity to all the devotees. Tuesday and Friday are considered as the most auspicious days for the darshan of the Goddess. Special pujas are held here for driving away evil spirits and for this purpose only red flowers known as raktha pushpanjali is used. Though it is a Hindu temple, Christians and Muslims visit here to seek the blessings of the devi. On the southern corner of the temple there is a Shivalingam.

The annual festival of the temple commence from the Thiruvathira of Kumbhom and its last for 11 days. The temple is under the administration of Travancore Devaswom Board. It is the only temple in Kerala where the 'Satha Kodi Archana' is performed which is attended by large number of devotees.
Contact Address: 
Malayapuzha Temple, 
Malayapuzha, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala
Phone : 0473-2300260

Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple
Sree Parthasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is one of the most ancient and famous temple in Aranmula (16kms from Pathanamthitta) on the banks of the holy river Pamba. This temple is believed to be one among the five temples built by the Pandava brothers. The five temples are at Chengannur (Yuddhisthra), Tiruppuliyur (Bhima), Aranmula (Arjuna), Tiruvanvandur (Nakula) and Tirukkodittaanam (Sahadeva). Aranmula temple is said to be built by Arjuna to expiate for the sin of having killed Karna on the battlefield, against the dharma of killing an unarmed enemy. Legend says that the temple was first built at Nilakal near Sabarimala and the image was brought here in a raft made of six pieces of bamboo. Thus the place derived the name Aranmula which means six pieces of bamboo. It is from the Parthasarathy temple that the Golden Amki (sacred jewel) of Lord Ayyappan is taken in a grand procession to Sabarimala every year.

The Aranmula Parthasarathi temple is a simple structure in Kerala style of architecture and the idol of Parthasarathy is six feet high. The walls of the temple is beautifully adorned with fine murals of the 18th century. The temple has four gopurams (towers) on four sides of its outer wall. The eastern tower is accessed through a flight of 18 steps and a descend of 57steps from the northern tower leads to the Pampa river. 

The annual temple festival that lasts for 10 days is celebrated as the anniversary of the installation of the temple idol. The festival which falls in the Malayalam month of Meenam, during the Onam season, is more popular for its water carnival known as Aranmula Vallamkali. A tradition of sending rice and other materials on a water boat as an offering for a feast to the nearby village relates to the origin of the festival and this tradition is continued even today. The festival commences with the kodiyettam (flag hoisting) and concludes with Arattu (the holy dip of the image of the deity) in the Pamba river. Garudavahana ezhunallathu is a colourful procession held during the festival where Lord Parthasarathy is taken on the garuda mount to the Pampa river bank with the accompaniments of caparisoned elephants, Panchavadyam and other traditional temple orchestra. The Valla sadya is an important vazhipadu (offering) in the temple at the time of the festival .

Another festival celebrated here is the Khandavanadahanam in the Malayalam month of Dhanus. During the festival, a replica of a forest is created in front of the temple with dried plants, leaves and twigs. Then a bonfire is lit symbolizing the Khandavana forest fire of the Mahabharata. Ashtamirohini, the birthday of Sree Krishna is also celebrated in this temple.
Contact Address: 
Sree Parthasaaradhy Temple,
Aranmula P.O., Pathanamthitta District,
Pin-689533, Kerala State
Phone: 0468-2212170

Kaviyoor Trikkukkudi Cave Temple (Rock Cut Cave Temple)
Kaviyoor is situated about 5 km east of Thiruvalla on the banks of the river Manimala. The places is of great archeological significance because of its rock cut cave temple known as Trikkukkudi Cave Temple carved on a huge rock. Dating back to the 8th century AD, this temple dedicated to Lord Siva bears close resemblance to the Pallava style of architecture. The stone engravings here are among the earliest specimens of stone sculpture in Kerala. The idol of the main deity, Lord Siva is represented in the form of 3 feet high Sivalinga and is enshrined in a square cave (sreekovil) of the temple. The shrine also contains idols of Ganapathy, Maharshi and Dwarapalakas. The Archaeological Department preserve this temple as a monument.

Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple
Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, known as Thrikkaviyoor Mahadevar Temple, is one of the oldest of the Mahadeva temples in Kerala, lying at a distance of 6kms from Thiruvalla town in Pathanamthitta district. Believed to be constructed in the10th century, the temple is a beautiful specimen of Kerala style architecture. The outer wall of the sanctum sanctorum is beautifully adorned with excellent wood carvings (daarusilpas) belonging to 17th century and the inscriptions on the basement dates back to 950AD. The annual 10 day long temple festival 'Thiruvutsavam' starts on Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January). Utsavabali, seva, pallivetta are the main rituals performed during the festival. A Hanuman Temple is also located in the temple complex of Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple.

Kadamanitta Devi Temple
Kadamanitta village, situated 8 kms from Pathanamthitta, is famous of its Devi Temple dedicated to Kadamanitta devi. The major attraction of the temple is the 10 day long festival known as Kadammanitta Padayani celebrated every year from the first day of the Malayalam month Medam (April/ May) to the10th day (pathamudayam). The remarkable feature of the festival is the Padayani (a ritual art of Kerala) performances held as an offering for the mother goddess.

Puthukulangara Devi Temple
Puthukulangara Devi Temple is located in Othara village in the Thiruvalla taluk of Pathanamthitta district. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali and the idol of the main deity can be seen here in the most vicious form. The annual festival of the temple sometimes known as Othara Padayani features Padayanimela. During the festive days Kakarissi natakam, Pooppada thullal and Bhiravikolam are performed. The most imposing padayani spectacle is performed on the last day by wearing a vast head covering made of 1001 painted palm leafs.

Sree Vallabha Temple
Interestingly the name Thiruvalla comes from the word "Thiru Valla Vazh", named after the deity Thiru Vallabhan (Vishnu) of the ancient Thiru Vallabha temple located here. The cultural or the old name of this place was Thiruvallabhapuram, meaning- the land of Vallabha/Vallabhan i.e. the land of Vishnu.

The temple which is located 2km away from Thiruvalla Town in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, is one among the one hundred and eight vaishnava thirupathis in India, hence it is also one of the important pilgrim centers of the Vaishnavites (worshippers of Vishnu) all over the country. Incidentally, the temple finds mention in many of the Bhajans sung by the Alwars who are staunch Vaishnavites.

The temple complex enclosed in a large area in picturesque surroundings, holds the main sanctum dedicated to Lord Vishnu as well as smaller shrines dedicated to five other deities including Garudaswamy, Sathrusamharamoorthy, Ganapathy, Ayyappan and Kurayappaswamy. The sanctum sanctorum of the main shrine houses a six feet tall idol of Maha Vishnu. The temple built in typical Kerala style architecture has fine carvings and murals and the main shrine is surrounded by ‘Anakottils’ on all four sides.

The main feature of the temple is its 50 feet tall flag post carved out from a single rock, with a massive idol of Garuda (the eagle vehicle of Lord Vishnu) on top, believed to be created by the ‘Perumthachan’, an ancient legendary master craftsman from Kerala. The bottom of the flag post is believed to be deep enough to touch the underground water level. The large tank enclosed in a one storied structure near the temple is believed to be formed naturally from a spring.

Another peculiar feature of the temple is that women are not allowed near main sanctum sanctorum except on the Vishu and Thiruvathira days, and it is perhaps the only temple in Kerala where Kathakali is performed as a ritual offering everyday by the devotees after the evening Pooja.

The festivities of the temple arise twice a year, in February - March and in March – April.The ten day annual festival of the temple is held in February- March. The ‘Uthrasreebali’ festival celebrated in March – April, on the Makayiram asterism in the Malayalam month of Meenam is famous for its ‘Kettukazha’ procession through the streets of Thiruvalla with its colourful floats, Mayooranruthom, Ardhanareeswaranruthom, Sinkarimelom, traditional percussion and caparisoned elephants. Hundreds throng the streets to witness the procession. The fair held during the festivals, displays along with the usual fare, household utensils made of granite which is in great demand.

The temple is under the administration of the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Nilacal Mahadevar Temple
Nilackal Mahadevar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a famous temple situated on the way to Sabarimala at a distance of 5 kms. away from Plappally on the Pamba-Pathanamthitta road. It is an intermediary halting area with parking facilities.

Omaloor Rakthakantha Swamy Temple
Omalloor, a small village located 5 kms south of Pathanamthitta town, is famous for Rakthakantha Swamy Temple also known as the Omallur Ambalam. A cattle fair called Vayalvanibham is held here annually for 10 days in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April) that is attended by a large number of people from different parts of the world. The fair highlights the diverse agricultural and animal products of the district.

Malikapurathamma Temple
Malikappurathamma Devi temple alias Malikapuram Temple is situated on a small hill just 100 meters away from Sabarimala. According to legend, Malikapuram temple is the place where the demon Mahishi rests in eternal wait. The temple complex houses the shrines of the Devi and Kaduthaswamy and also the the shrines of the snake god, Nagaraja and goddess, Nagayakshi. Here coconuts are offered only after rolling them on the ground. On the way to the temple, there is a temple tank called as Bhasma Kulam where the devotees can take a holy bath in memory of the tapaswini Sabari, who had committed her mortal life by entering the fire. After this incident the hill was named Sabarimala.

Valamchuzy Temple
Sree Bhuvaneswary temple in Valamchuzy, one of the most famous and ancient temples in South India, is believed to be built over 2000years ago. Located about 4.5kms from Pathanamthitta, this temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy is surrounded by the sacred achankovil river on three sides. The sword and the chilambu kept at this temple is believed to had been brought from Kodungaloor Bhagavathy Temple. The temple premises has a 'Sarpakavu' which is a home to a large variety of rare medicinal herbs.

The festival of the temple which is celebrated for a period of 4 months, commences from the Malayalam month of Makaram and ends in the month of Medam (January-April). Makarabarani, Kumbhabharani, Meena Bharani and Meda Bharani are the festivals celebrated during these days. The festival of Makarabarani starts with kodiyeetu (flag hoisting) on the Punartham day in Makaram and it lasts for 10 days. Kumbhabharani is the Pongala celebration held in the month of Kumbham. On this day nivedyam is offered to the Goddess by the women and it is believed that viewing the goddess in all her glory at this time will free one from all sins and evils. Meena Bharani festival celebrations starts in the month of Meenam on the Revathy day and ends on the Bharani day. The famous padayani celebrations also coincide with this festival. The festival of Meda Bharani which is as old as the temple, is celebrated by serving meals to the devotees irrespective of caste and creed. This meal is prepared out of the yields from the paddy fields under the control of the temple and is considered sacred, it is believed that intake of this meal will give God's blessings.

Special ceremonies held in the temple are Aaillayapooja and Parazhumallippu. Aaillayapooja is celebrated in the Malayalam month of thulam to gratify the Serpent Gods. Parazhumallippu begins in the Malayalam month of Kumbham and ends in the month of medam on the vishu day. It covers every Hindu family in Pathanamthitta Municipality, pramadam and the Mylapra Panchayats. On this occasion, devotees present tender coconuts and seeds as their offerings. 
Contact Address
Valamchuzhy Devaswam
Mallasserry P.O, Pathanamthitta - 689646
Phone : +91 468 2333100
E-mail : Contact

Chakkulathukavu Temple
Chakkulathukavu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga (Bhagavathy), is situated at Neerettupuram, 12km westward from Thiruvalla, on the border of Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha District. The famous rivers of Pampa and Manimala are flowing on either side of the temple. Popularly known as Sabarimala of women, this temple believed to be 3000 years old was renovated in 1981. It is said that Chakkulathamma, as the goddess is commonly called, has special affinity towards children and women. The illuminating idol of Vana Durga with eight holy hands is installed near the original idol. The idols of Lord Shiva, Sastha, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Muruka, Yakshi, Serpent Gods and Navagrahas are installed as Upa Devas.

The temple is located in a forest. There is an interesting story behind the origin of the temple. It is said that one day a hunter came long with his wife and children to this forest for collecting firewood. Seeing a serpent moving towards him, the hunter attacked it with his axe, but it slipped away. In search of the snake, he reached near a lake and saw a 'chithalputtu' (sand mount) which resembled a decorated golden chain and saw the snake inside it. Realizing that it was the same snake, he once again hit it with the axe but this time also it disappeared. Following the words of the hermit (none other than Narada) who appeared before him, the hunter broke the shell and saw the image of Goddess Vanadurga inside it. From that time onwards the place turned out to be a religiously outstanding one.

Several festivals are observed in the temple like naree pooja, the first Friday, pandrandu noyampu, thirkkarthika, kalamezhuthu and nirapara. The main festival among them is the thirkkarthika celebrated on the Malayalam month Vrischikam (November/December). A large number of women offer ‘pongala’ on this auspicious day.
Contact address: 
Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathi Temple  
Neerettupuram P.O., Thiruvalla, Kerala, India
Phone: 0477-2213550
E-mail : Contact