Aryankavu Ayyappan Temple

Aryankavu Ayyappan Temple or Aryankavu Shastha Temple is a Hindu temple located at Aryankavu in the Kollam district of Kerala. It is located near the famous Palaruvi waterfalls and is one of the five most important temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and is situated near the border of Tamil Nadu. The temple is known for its unique feature of being built about 35 feet below the road level with some fine structures and mural paintings. The name of the place came from the mix of the words Aryan (Lord Ayyappa) and Kavu (holy forest).

Lord Ayyappa is depicted here as a teenager (young boy) and is known as Tiru Aryan, hence the name Aryankavu. Aryankavu Ayyappan Temple is known for its mural paintings on the pillars and walls, which are quite fascinating. According to folklore, the idol of Lord Ayyappa was brought to the temple by the Pandi Raja of Madurai. Women between the ages of 10 and 50 are not allowed inside the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) of the temple, similar to the customs followed in the Sabarimala temple.

The main festival celebrated in Aryankavu is the Mandala Pooja and Trikalyanam, which takes place in the month of December. The temple is situated on the Kollam – Shenkottai Road and is about 17 kilometers m away from the nearest railway station, Shengottai in Tamilnadu, and about 98 kilometers away from the nearest airport, Trivandrum International Airport.