Achankovil Shastha Temple, or the Dharmasastha Temple, is one among the five important temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in Kerala. The temple is unique for its idol known as Rudraksha sila in which Lord Sastha is depicted as a 'grihasthashrami'. Ayyappa leads the Grihastha Ashrama life here , depicted as a family man or leads married life here. He is depicted along with his two wives – Purna and Pushkala. It is believed that the idol here was installed by Parashurama.This temple is famous for curing poisonous snake bites. The left hand of the idol of Ayyappa at Achankovil Shastha Temple always holds ‘Chandan’ (sandalwood paste) and Theertha (holy water). The Chandan and Theertha are considered to have medicinal properties to cure snake bites.You can buy the holy water as Rs, 20 per litre at the temple counter .The temple is located near the banks of Achankovil river in the dense forest regions of eastern Kollam,easily accessible from Thenmala and Shenkottai.

A beautiful Hindu temple in the middle of the forest. To reach here, one has to travel some distance off-road in the jungle. It is an elephant sanctuary here so it is best to avoid traveling at night

Such a devotional place! I've been wanting to come here since I've heard about the forest drive to reach here from Punalur. The forest ride is an experience on it's own and is a part of visiting this temple. Although we couldn't get to see wild elephants (I was hoping to see one), we were able to see many wild peacocks and mountain squirrels. The journey also goes through a pineapple plantation which was nice to see. We can see the Achankovil river flowing parallel to the road at some places. The temple itself is very devotional and peaceful. Nice experience!

A very ancient and historical Hindu Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappan. The area is surrounded by dence forest on all four sides. It is accessible from chenkottai in tamilnadu and punalur in kollam district. Many devotees visit this place daily.

One of the Dharma sastha temple of Lord ayyappa. A Beautiful temple inside the dense forest. The travel gives you pleasantness. Temple to be visited.

Way to this temple is like to heaven, almost a hill trip of 20 kms into the forest and roads are really good. Diver who doesn't have hill drive experience should avoid. And finally temple will be open till 12.30 afternoon and will be opened again at 5 pm in the eve.

Achenkovil temple is a famous temple having both kerala and tamil nadhu style of architecture. The temple has a beautiful view including mountains and forest.

Loard Ayappa temple. One who is planning to visit this temple must try the forest route from Konni to Achankovil. If you are lucky enough, you can see elephants, wild boars, a lot of Peacocks, rare birds etc..... But, be very cautious while passing through this road , the road is not in a good condition and very narrow. Don't disturb wildlife.

Achankovil one of the popular ayyapa temple situated in Kollam district. Try forest route and you can enjoy the beauty of nature. You can see peacocks everywhere.

Good ambience for a temple. No rush (on the weekend day I visited). Saw peacocks roaming in the temple compound. The sacred grove area is very refreshing. Enough parking space in front of the temple.

One of the famous Sastha Temple . Those who likes to go , use thenkashi - achankovil route,can enjoy the beauty of true nature.

Calm and quiet place. In the midst of forest.A divine atmosphere. No other restaurants nearby other than a small teashop.Washrooms are available

Peacefull place . The journey to reach this destination is pretty good.. ride is very nice because its through konni reserve forest . You can either travel from pathanapuram side to achankovil then to shengottai later to thenmala via aryankavu..

Sri Dharmasastha Temple Lord Ayyappa 🙏🙏🙏 located in mid top mountain Opposite side Karuppasamy Temple.

Lord Iyyappa temple Full of spiritual Mesmerize myself..... What a village.... Very very peaceful and nature overload...... Beautiful village

One of the pancha sastha temple located in Kerala. This place is the origin place of achankoil river. Lord Ayyappa resides here in the form of King. It is believed that this temple was installed by Lord Parasuram. Like Sabarimala, this temple also has 18 steps. Must visit temple for its beauty and shrine excellence.

Achenkovil is one of the main temples of Lord Ayyappa situated in Kollam district. Located deep in the forest, it is among the famous Lord Sastha temples among others including Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, Sabarimala, and Kanthamala temples. Believers come here in large numbers to pray and legend has it that it is a place where one can cure poisonous snake bites.cstemple is a Hindu temple and one of the 108 Sasthalayas, located in Pathanapuram tehsil of Kollam district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is also one among the famed Pancha Sastha temples in Kerala, the other four being Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, Sabarimala and Kanthamala temples. At a distance of 47 Kms from Pathanamthitta, Ayyappa Temple located in Achankovil is one of the popular Ayyappa temples in Kerala. It is situated on Pathanamthitta - Tenkasi road. This temple is believed to have been built by Parasurama. Here, Lord Ayyappa is seen with his two wives, Poorna and Pushkala. This ancient temple is located in dense forests of Kandamala, where the God is said to have given 'Darshan' to a worshipper who performed long penance. This temple is also famous for snake bite treatment. The sandal paste in the hands of Lord Ayyappa is believed to have miraculous healing power for snake venom and it is available 24 hours. This temple celebrated two important festivals - called Mandala Pooja (December / January) and Ravathi (January / February).

Very similar to Sabarimala Sanjidhanam which is also surrounded with mountains. The road to it is very scenic and we enjoyed the drive through the Konji forest division. Also we could enjoy river bath & waterfalls nearby.

Historic temple temple, one of the Pancha Sasthas located on the scenic Achankovil Punaloor road. The drive all along is picturous and you can take a swim at spots in the river in monsoons.

The temple itself is a divine place. It’s in the centre of a forest.So the travel will be a bit bumpy. The calmness and positivity you get here is something everyone should experience…

Its great place , here is the famous Sree Dharma Sastha temple ( Grahastha bhavam with two wifes Poorna Devi and Pushakala Devi ) small village sorrounded by thick forest , there is a Govt. Guest House with canteen and one private Tourist Home (Vaishnavam ) some restorents are there ....... Karuppaswami temple (Parivara moorthi of Lord sreedharma sastha , refer Ithihyamala by Kottarathil Sankunni ) lts a great place for worship swami , and perfect for enjoying silence , meditation ........ some day buses are available from Punaloor KSRTC Depo

One of the great ayyappa temple... Felt like Heaven.. Calm and quite place..

Holy place..... Achankovil Sri Dharmasastha Temple was one among the famous Pancha Sastha Temples in Kerala. It was situated in the place of Achankovil on the Pathanapuram Thaluk. District - Kollam State - Kerala Country - India The atmosphere of this place was so silent and calm. Moreover it was a naturlised and eco friendly environment. The Western Ghats can be seen from the temple. The Achankovil River originates from the Achankovil Reserve Forests, visible from the temple. Temple's opening and closing times (All days) : 05:00 AM - 12:00 PM 04:30 PM - 07:30 PM (On the day of KARKKIDAKA VAVU the Hours might differ) Festivals : Mandala Pooja (Dhanu), Revathi Pooja (Makaram), Chariot Festival (Radholsavam). Nearest Towns : Punalur (Kerala) Schengottai (Tamil Nadu) Travel Routes : Punalur - Alimukk - Karavoor - Achankovil Pathanapuram - Alimukk - Karavoor - Achankovil Pathanamthitta - Konni - Kalleli - Achankovil Schenkottai - Panboli - Mekkarai - Achankovil.

During weekdays there is not much crowd, you don't have to wait. But in the weekends and during public holidays you have to wait for atleast 1 hour to enter. Other than that the scenery while traveling to the temple is bliss.

Very powerful deity. Temple is in the middle forest . It was an amazing journey towards the temple.

Serene temple atmosphere. Situated amidst of forest. Swami Ayyappa in Garhasthya with poorna and pushkala.

Nice place... Excellent Scenery....also have a river to take a pleasent bath...

Soothing ambience... Loved the place. Architecture is more of the Tamilian style which increased the beauty of the temple. Saw a couple of peacocks in and around the temple. Enough parking space is available.

The routefrom Tenkasi to Achankovil is absolutely gorgeous..lots of butterflies surrounding on the way..and very nice weather even in summer..visited in May.

One of the famous ayyappan temple, toilet facilities available here for devotees. Spacious car parking, 4no's. Meadium type hotels found around the temple. 3no's. Water falls 5no's. Best sight seen available around this temple.

Achenkovil is one of the main temples of Lord Ayyappa situated in Kollam,Kerala. Located deep in the forest, it is among the famous Lord Sastha temples among others including Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, Sabarimala, and Kanthamala temples. it is a famous place where one can cure poisonous snake bites.

One of the most beautiful and historical temple and place. Beautiful place amd way to reach the temple through kerala is amazing. It has beem newly renovated and is kept clean and good. Early moring drive is the best. The roads are covered with fog. The sound of the wild makes the drive more fun. The temple is among one of the Pancha Sastha Temples in Kerala. The idol of Lord Ayyappa is believed to be placed here by Lord Parasurama himself. The temple is famous for curing all kinds of snake bites. It is said that one who come to the temple at any time of the day even during midnight and rang the bell the poojari will open the door for that person and treats the snakes bite. Very holy temple. Should definitely visit at least one time.

Very pleasant place, situated near Tamil Nadu and Kerala border in a forest and hill area. After Senkottai, we have to cross TN and KL check post. Ayyappan is here as King with Goddesses Purala and Pushkala on his both sides

Travel towards achankovil is faaarrr better than the destination..must go..

Most important area of dharmasastha

Nice place to visit... Calm and quiet place.. Loved it.. ❤️

Must visit temple for Ayyappan devotees...one of 5 temples built by rishi Parasuramar

It is one of the most revered abodes of Lord Ayyappa. Here the diety is worshipped in the form of Sastha with two consorts.

Awesome place for Swamy Ayyappan dharshan. Who may not get a chance to go Sabari Malai, they place could be the ideal option

Very beautiful Sastha temple nestled in the forest area. There could be more boards on the way directing devotees coming for the first time.