Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple, Achankovil

Achankovil, Kerala

Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple in Achankovil welcomes visitors into a space where tranquillity and devotion meet in perfect harmony. Surrounded by peaceful landscapes and infused with a divine aura, the temple offers a sanctuary from the noise of everyday life. Devotees and visitors alike find solace here, whether they are participating in sacred rituals, meditating in the temple halls, or simply admiring the beauty of its surroundings. The gentle fragrance of incense, the rhythmic chanting of prayers, and the warm presence of fellow worshippers create an atmosphere of deep spiritual connection. Many return time and again, drawn by the temple’s ability to refresh the soul and inspire faith. Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple remains a timeless reminder of how sacred spaces nurture both devotion and inner peace. It is also an integral part of the vast List of temples in Kerala that narrate the state’s spiritual glory.

Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple History and Significance

The Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple is one of the five important temples dedicated to Shasta in Kerala. The idol is believed to have been consecrated by Parashurama. The temple is known for curing poisonous snakebites and is administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple Pooja Timing
Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple Interesting Facts
Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple Nearby Temples
Other Sastha Temples
Famous Temples from around

Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple Pooja Timing

Pooja Name	Timings
Usha Pooja	5:30 AM
Pantheeradi Pooja	8:00 AM
Ucha Pooja	12:00 PM
Athazha Pooja	7:30 PM

Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple Location Details

How to Reach Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple

By Road:

Achankovil is well-connected by road to major towns in Kerala. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly from Punalur, Kollam, and nearby towns.

By Train:

Nearest railway stations: Punalur Railway Station and Kollam Junction. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Achankovil.

By Air:

Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Punalur via connecting cities.

Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple Nearby Temples

Best time to visit (season/months):

November to February. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to landslides and heavy rainfall. Winters provide pleasant weather for temple visits.

Other Sastha Temples

Legends Beliefs

The temple is famous for its association with curing snakebites. The deity is considered a great physician, and the right palm of the Shasta idol holds sandalwood paste and holy water, believed to have medicinal properties. The temple opens at night if necessary to help those bitten by snakes.
Deities and Sub Deities

The principal deity of the temple is Shasta, depicted as a householder with his two consorts, Purna and Pushkala. Subordinate deities include Bhagavati, Maalikapurathamma, Durga, Nagaraja, Nagayakshi, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Karuppu Sami, Karuppayi Amma, Cheppanimundan, Chappanimaadan, Madanthevan, Kalamadan, Kochattinarayanan, Singali Bhootathan, and Arukola.
Offerings

Devotees offer sandalwood paste and holy water as prasadam. Those bitten by snakes are given sandalwood paste as medicine and need to stay at the temple for three or five days, depending on the severity of the poison.
Architecture

The temple follows Dravidian architecture and faces east. It is located near the banks of the Achankovil River in the Kollam district of Kerala.
Festivals

The Mandala Puja is an important festival held from the first to the tenth day of the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January). Revathi Puja is another main festival in the Malayalam month of Makaram (January-February). The temple also conducts the Therottam (chariot festival), Karuppanoottu, and Karuppanthullal during festival times.
Religious Practices

The temple follows traditional Hindu rituals and practices. Devotees can call for help at any time by ringing the temple bell, and the priests will assist them. The temple's rituals and festivals have similarities to Tamil traditions.

FAQ's

Where is the Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple located?

The Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple is located in Achankovil, Kerala, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Kollam district.

Which God is Shasta?

Shasta is a major Hindu deity.

What is the best time to visit Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple?

November to February. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to landslides and heavy rainfall. Winters provide pleasant weather for temple visits.

How to reach Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple from near City or Town?

Nearest railway stations: Punalur Railway Station and Kollam Junction. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Achankovil. Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Punalur via connecting cities.