Ayyappa (Dharma Sastha) temple · Sasthamcotta, Kollam, Kerala, India
Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is a Hindu temple to Dharma Sastha (Ayyappa) at Sasthamcotta in Kollam district, Kerala, beside Sasthamcotta Lake. According to the temple, it is one of the five ancient Sastha temples of Kerala, with Achankovil, Aryankavu, Kulathupuzha and Sabarimala, and the deity is accompanied by his consort Prabha and son Sathyaka.
Faith & Tradition
The temple is known for its monkeys, which are traditionally fed during festivities (New Indian Express). On Uthradom the monkeys are served a full Onasadya on plantain leaves at the Vanarabhojana Sala on the temple premises — a custom then 37 years old in 2012 — and the temple feeds them daily, the Times of India reported.
Temple tradition links the monkeys to Rama's vanara army, which is said to have halted here on the return from Lanka (temple).
Heritage
In 2024 the New Indian Express reported that hundreds of monkeys that had left the temple grounds were troubling residents of nearby areas.
Plan Your Visit
Monkeys roam the temple premises; keep belongings secure and follow temple guidance on feeding.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration (official website) before travelling. Last reviewed 6 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Monkeys are served a full Onasadya at the Vanarabhojana Sala (Times of India).
Location
Sasthamcotta is in Kollam district, Kerala, beside Sasthamcotta Lake.
Location: Sasthamcotta, Kollam, Kerala, India
More in Hindu temples in Kerala · Ayyappa (Dharma Sastha) temples
Questions
At Sasthamcotta in Kollam district, Kerala, beside Sasthamcotta Lake.
Dharma Sastha (Ayyappa), with consort Prabha and son Sathyaka.
Monkeys are traditionally fed at the temple and linked by legend to Rama's vanara army.
A full Onam feast served to the monkeys on Uthradom at the Vanarabhojana Sala.
Yes, according to the temple, with Achankovil, Aryankavu, Kulathupuzha and Sabarimala.
Further reading: Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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