On The Banks of The Sasthamkotta Lake

Sree Dharmasastha Temple, at Sasthamcotta in Kollam, lends its name to the Sasthamkotta Lake in the district. The temple is 11km west of Adoor and 10km from Karunagappally. Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, devotees believe that Lord Hanuman had stopped here on his search for Goddess Sita. The abundance of monkeys in the premises and the reverence they receive at the temple is proof to this theory! Pilgrims who visit Sabrimala also stop here on their way.

The temple is flanked by hills and forests. The lake, too, is close by. The temple was built by a prince of the Pandhalam Royal family. The idol here is said to have been the swayambhu idol worshipped by Lord Rama during his trip to Lanka (now, Sri Lanka) in his search for Sita.

The temple’s 10-day annual festival is a colourful affair. The Kettukazhcha ritual procession and performances of folk arts such as Mayilattam and Ammankudam are seen here. The festival ends with the Arattu: five caparisoned elephants in a procession held at midnight. On important days and during festivals, scores of monkeys are fed at the temple premises. There’s even a trust formed to take care of their feeding and welfare!