The principal deity is Lord Ayyappa. The darshan is towards the east. Pooja is performed twice daily, and there are no subsidiary deities. In the temple, there is a small cave for meditation. Devotees observe penance during Saturdays in the Vrischika month. The first Saturday of Vrischika is celebrated with great fervor in the temple. The temple is referred to as "Mini Sabarimala" or "Sabarimala of Women".
The shrine is situated amidst a rocky terrain where the rain and sun pour directly onto the idol, which is considered auspicious for appeasing Lord Shani (Saturn). The name "Araeswaram" is believed to have originated from the presence of six deities including Shiva, Parvathi, Ganapathi, Subrahmanya, Ayyappan, and Vishnu.
Festivals
The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are :
Bhagavatha Sapthaham
During the Bhagavatha Sapthaham at Araeswaram Sree Dharmasastha Temple in Thrissur Vasupuram, devotees gather for a seven-day recitation of the Bhagavatham, an ancient Hindu scripture. The event is marked by daily discourses, rituals, bhajans, and religious performances, aimed at spreading spiritual teachings and fostering devotion among attendees. The Bhagavatha Sapthaham concludes with prayers for the well-being and prosperity of all devotees.
Thiruvonam
Thiruvonam is a prominent festival celebrated in Kerala, especially during the Malayalam month of Chingam, to honor the legendary King Mahabali and commemorate his annual visit to the land. It is marked by grand feasts, cultural performances, temple rituals, floral decorations, and various traditional festivities that bring communities together in joy and celebration.
Contact Address: Araeswaram Sree Dharmasastha Temple, Vasupuram,
Thrissur
