കുളത്തൂപ്പുഴ ശാസ്താക്ഷേത്രം
Ayyappa (Bala Sastha) temple · Kulathupuzha, Kollam, Kerala, India
Kulathupuzha Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is a Hindu temple to Ayyappa at Kulathupuzha in the forests of eastern Kollam district, Kerala, on the Thiruvananthapuram–Shenkottai road (Kerala Tourism). The deity is worshipped here as Balakan — Ayyappa in his child form, also called Manikantan (The Hindu; Manorama).
Faith & Tradition
With Aryankavu and Achankovil, Kulathupuzha is one of three ancient Ayyappa temples on the eastern mountain tracks of Kollam district that, by tradition, were among five Ayyappa temples consecrated by Parasurama; Sabarimala and Kanthamala are the others. Each represents a stage of Sastha's life — childhood at Kulathupuzha, youth at Aryankavu and Achankovil, old age at Sabarimala (The Hindu; Manorama).
During the Mandalam–Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, nearly 25,000 pilgrims a day visit each of these temples, many from Tamil Nadu, on the way to Sabarimala, The Hindu reported.
Heritage
The temple stands on the bank of the Kulathupuzha river, a tributary of the Kallada. Its idol is not a single stone but is made of eight pieces of stone, associated with a temple legend (The Hindu).
Plan Your Visit
Pilgrimage-season days are very crowded; confirm timings with the Devaswom.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 6 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
The temple's most important festival (Kerala Tourism).
Sabarimala pilgrims visit in large numbers (The Hindu).
Location
Kulathupuzha is on the Thiruvananthapuram–Shenkottai road; buses run frequently from Kollam, and Thenmala railway station is about 10 km away (Kerala Tourism).
Location: Kulathupuzha, Kollam, Kerala, India
Nearest railway station: Thenmala (about 10 km)
More in Hindu temples in Kerala · Ayyappa (Bala Sastha) temples · Temples in Kollam District
Questions
At Kulathupuzha in Kollam district, Kerala, on the Thiruvananthapuram–Shenkottai road.
As Balakan, the child form of Ayyappa.
Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, Achankovil, Sabarimala and Kanthamala, by tradition consecrated by Parasurama.
The Vishu Mahotsavam in April–May.
Thenmala, about 10 km away.
Further reading: Kulathupuzha Sree Dharma Sastha Temple on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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Pilgrim Circuit
