ABOUT & HISTORY
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ABOUT TEMPLE
Sree Dharma Shastha Temple
Kattappana Sree Dharma Shastha Temple is one of the most revered Ayyappa temples in Idukki district, located in the heart of Kattappana. Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, worshipped here as Dharma Shastha – the divine guardian and protector of righteousness who guides devotees on the path of dharma.
Apart from the main diety, the temple also houses shrines for Lord Ganapathy, Murugan, Shiva, Devi, Vishnu, Bhadrakali, and the Nagas.
The annual festival, Uthram Thirunal Maholsavam, celebrated during February–March, is the main festival of the temple. During this auspicious time, the temple comes alive with vibrant celebrations, special poojas, cultural programs, and large gatherings of devotees.
Kattappana Sree Dharma Shastha Temple functions under the management and administration of SNDP Yogam.
History
The Origins of Kattappana Sree Dharma Shastha Temple
The origins of the Kattappana Sree Dharma Shastha Temple date back to the 1950s. The worship of Lord Ayyappa at this place was first initiated by a local social worker, A.K. Vasu Aarukandathil, who lit a sacred lamp and began offering prayers. He later set aside land specifically for the temple.
In those days, the present temple site was only a threshing ground used for processing harvested paddy. One evening, when A.K. Vasu Aarukandathil went there, a wild elephant suddenly charged at him. With no one nearby to help and no way to escape, he prayed fervently to Lord Ayyappa, crying out “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa,” and ran into a nearby shed for safety. Miraculously, the enraged elephant stopped, calmed down, and retreated without harming him. The animal was never seen in that area again. Vasu believed this to be the direct grace and protection of Lord Ayyappa.
In gratitude, he placed a picture of Ayyappa at the site, lit a lamp, and began regular worship. The local people, who had long suffered from disturbances caused by wild animals, noticed that after the prayers began, such troubles decreased remarkably.
News of this spread far and wide, and people from all communities, regardless of caste or religion, started visiting the place to seek the Lord’s blessings.
In time, a small shrine was constructed. After the formation of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, the administration of the temple was taken over by the Yogam. Renovation and reconstruction work began in 2003 and was completed in 2008.
Today, Lord Ayyappa (Sree Dharma Shastha), consecrated facing the east, is the presiding deity of the temple. The Lord resides here in a sacred Panchaloha idol, blessing devotees and offering them protection and refuge.
