Thamaramkulangara Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Kerala

Thamaramkulangara Sree Dharma Sastha temple is positioned in the royal city of Thrippunithura, Kochi district in the state of Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Devotees consider the Thamaramkulangara Sree Dharma Sastha temple as an extension of the famous Sastha Temple at Chamravattom (Malappuram District). According to anecdotes Lord Sastha of Chamravattom followed one of his Priests from Morakkala Mana who had shifted to Tripunithura. Lord Sastha assumed the form of a lizard and came with the priest comfortably by sitting on his traditional umbrella made up of palm leaves.

Thamaramkulangara Sree Dharmasastha is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Danwantari and this is the only temple in Tripunithura with Dharmasastha as the main deity. Besides Dharmasastha devotees also worship Lord Ganesha and Bhadrakali along with Nagaraja and Brahmasrakshas.

When you come to the temple a huge banyan tree receives you with a pleasing breeze created by its shivering silvery leaves. There is a clean well maintained fresh water pond which spread over more than one third of the total area of the temple precinct. A Nadappura with a traditional flag post adds the beauty of the temple structure.

Thamaramkulangara Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Thrippunithura,Kerala

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The temple was initially owned by Morakkala Mana, but the prosperity of the family. The high priest finally approached the Maharaja of Cochin and handed the temple over to him in the 1930s. The King ordered the renovation of the temple and the Nithya Nidhanam (daily pooja), funded by the Nadumittom Devasom. In 1953, the youth in and around the temple came together for the betterment of the temple, precincts and restart the temple festival. This movement strengthened up with time, involving in many activities. These people, in 1963, formed the Thamaramkulangara Ayyapa Seva Samithy (TASS). In 1984, with others, the temple was transferred to the Kerala Uranma Devaswom Board.

The temple is not only famous for its sacredness but also for its classic Kerala style of architecture. However, the temple has been renovated time to time yet its basic structure remains unchanged. The Sopanam doors, as well as steps, have been covered with brass. Moreover, the sanctum sanctorum of Sree Ayyappa is adorned with copper roofing. The Bhadrakali’s sanctum is also adorned with copper roofing. Apart from that, the Namaskara Mandapam, as well as Chuttambalam or outer structure, is also designed with copper roofing. The sacred sculptures on the walls show the story of the mythological era. The stone pillars in the temple display the traditional south Indian architecture.

The temple is open for devotees from 4 AM to 12.30 PM and from 5 PM to 8 PM.

The Presiding deity of the temple is Dharma Sastha, popularly known as Lord Ayyappa. Poojas such as Nirmalya Pooja, Usha Pooja, Athazha Pooja, Ethurtha Pooja, Neivedyam, Ucha Pooja, Deeparadhana, and Harivarasanam are performed in the temple. Dwaja Prathishta Dinam, Painguni Uthram, Vishu, Navarathri, and Mandalavilakku are some of the grandly celebrated festivals in this temple.

By Road

Thrippunithura is 8.5 kms from Ernakulam. Buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis are available almost all the time to reach the temple.

By Rail

The nearest railhead is the Thrippunithura Railway station at a distance of 2 kms from the temple.

By Air

The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport at a distance of 32 kms from the temple.