Information of Arattupuzha Sree Sastha Temple, Thrissur, Kerala

Arattupuzha Sree Sastha Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine built for Iyappa Swamy in a silent village on gods own country. The Arattupuzha is the place where this temple is built and is addressed by its place name as common use in temples of Kerala. This is a famous temple for conducting the ancient day old temple festival named Devamela till now in the history of this Temple. The Arattupuzha pooram is the grand festival of this temple. This is a historic and religious temple for Malayalees. This temple is under the Cochin Devosam Boards management and do all its festival and temple maintenance very well here. It is divinely located in Arattupuzha P.O, Thrissur District of Kerala State in India.

Arattupuzha Sree Sastha Temple Religious Significance

Arattupuzha Sree Sastha Temple is a worship place for the Iyappa Swamy who is also called as the Sastha by the Hindus. Many of his devotees call him as Dharma Sastha. The Shabari Mala pilgrim season is the most important season for this temple. It conducts ritual and ceremonies for the pilgrimage to take penance and do ceremonies while going to the holy abode of this Sastha at Shabri Mala on the 41st day after penance. He is a celibate and these seasons are manly seen with the men hood. Woman does worship here, but they can't take the Shabari mala pilgrimage. Nearly 50 offering can be done at this temple by its devotees. This temple is open throughout the year and worshiped by all sects of the Hinduism.

Arattupuzha Sree Sastha Temple Mythology & History

Arattupuzha Sastha Temple was the creation of the great Prajapathi named the Vasishta. It is believed as per the Hindu myth, that he built few temples in the Vedic times to remember few legends of Hindu god and goddesses. Since, this temple's Devamela Utsavam is recorded from the ancient times where the heavenly gods assembles here. Hence, it was known to be the most ancient temple in Kerala State.

Arattupuzha Sree Sastha Temple Architectural Significance

Arattupuzha Sastha Temple is believed to be built in the Vedic Era, which are around 3000 BC. This ancient temple has undergone many changes. The present temple is a traditional Kerala temple, where the Kerala architecture is prominent to see on it entire structure. The primary construction materials used here are the lime stone, laterite stone, terracotta tiles and woods. It has got single central shrine cell of Lord Sastha in a standing posture. This temple has no other sub deities. There are few newly built concrete complexes seen nearby its main temple which are its ceremonial halls and for temple administration purpose. The main temple is a gabled structure having two roofs with a triangular dome on it. It has got a vast temple ground where the temple festivals are conducted. There is a temple flag pole installed in the temple premises. This temple is known to have one of the precious antiquities such as the temple ornate, vessels, lamps and jewels.

Festivals at Arattupuzha Sree Sastha Temple

Arattupuzha Sastha Temple's main festival is Arattupuzha Pooram which is held in April month annually. The 11 day festival is as follows, the Kodiyettam, Thiruvathira Purappad, Peruvanam Pooram, Pidikkaparambu, Tharakkal Pooram, Thottippal, Arattupuzha Pooram, Devasamgamam and Gramabali. The most unique feature of this festival is the elephant event. The temple elephant are covered with silk cloths and are found in ornate. Two peoples will hold colorful umbrellas and feather bushes in their hands and does spectacular drill show from the elephants back. The temple elephant's which are great tusker and stands as great and strong along with light lamps, fire crackers and percussions. Thousand of peoples come here to see this colorful event. The other festive days are the Prathishta dinam, which usually falls in June month and this festival is too celebrate in a grand way. The Illam Nira is celebrated for prosperity of its village and is participated by one and all. During this festival one can see the insight beauty of the village of Kerala as well as how they carry out the religious festival, one can immerse during this festival. The Maha Ganapathy pooja, Devamela Utsavam, Puthari Nivedyam, Navarathri Festival and Desavilakku Festival are also celebrated here.