Sabarimala: The reason behind the name change

The Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple one of the most renowned temples will be known as Sabarimala Sree Ayyappaswamy Temple.

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 22: The Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple one of the most renowned temples will be known as Sabarimala Sree Ayyappaswamy Temple. The temple in Kerala visited by lakhs of people has been in the news following a plea to allow women inside it.

The name change has an interesting history behind it. The decision to change the name was taken by the Travancore Devaswom Board. The temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is situated in the Pathanamithra district known as Sabarimala Sree Dharmasastha Temple.

There are many Dharmasastha temples under the board, but Sabarimala is the only one where Ayyappaswamy presides. Let us see what effected the name change and what the legend on the same states.

Legend has it:

In the order the name change is explained by quoting a legend. It says that several centuries ago, Ayyappaswamy on completing his mission, merged with the Dharmasastha at Sabarimala. This led to the Sabarimala Dharmasastha temple being called the Ayyappa Swamy Temple.

In the year 1950 when the temple of rebuilt, the earlier deity of Dharmasastha was replaced by a panchakola idol of Ayyappaswamy.

The panchakola meaning five metals comprises gold, silver, iron, lead and copper. Incidentally Sabarimala is the only temple where Lord Ayyappa is worshipped.

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