Lord Ayyappa, also known as Dharmasastha, is a revered deity in Hinduism, particularly in South India. He is considered the son of Lord Shiva and the mythical enchantress Mohini, who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings and offer prayers to the deity, especially during special occasions and festivals.
Festivals
The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are :
Mandala Pooja and Makaravilakku
These festivals typically occur during the Mandalam season (November-December) and culminate with the Makaravilakku festival in January. Devotees undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala during this time, and the temple often hosts special rituals and celebrations.
Vishu
Vishu, the Malayalam New Year, is another significant festival celebrated in Kerala and Ayyappa temples. It marks the beginning of the Malayalam calendar and involves various rituals, including viewing the Vishukani and offering prayers for prosperity and abundance.
Contact Address: Payappar Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Payappar P.O,Kottayam, Kerala 686651
