Aryankavu Sastha Temple

Aryankavu Sastha Temple a Hindu temple and one among the 108 Sastha shrines in the Indian state of Kerala. The idol here is believed to be consecrated by sage Parashurama. It is also one among Pancha Sastha temples in Kerala located in the Pathanapuram tehsil of Kollam district, in the eastern forest ranges.TempleThe pratishta here is quite different from that of Achankovil, Kulthupuzha and Sabarimala temples. Ayyappa is depicted as a young boy sitting on an elephant with right leg hanging and left leg being in a folded position, along with his consort Prabha on the left side and Lord Shiva on the right. As in Sabarimala, the temple too have 18 steps. In the past, Women from 10 to 50 age groups were denied entry to the temple. The temple built in the traditional architectural styles of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu preserves several murals of Hindu deities. Another feature of the temple is that it is built 35 feet below the road level. The Poojas and rituals conducted in the temple is very much similar to the Tamil traditions as it is located near the border of two states. The present temple is believed to be constructed by Mayal, who was the wife of Chokkampetty Zamindar Chinnanganchan Pandiyan of the Marava race.Behind the nameThe name 'Aryankavu' is believed to be originated from the words "Aryan" which generally denotes the deity Sastha and 'Kavu' being the place where he is worshipped. The deity here is also known as Tiru Aryan.