- Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Main Deity: Sastha
- Major Attraction: Vishnu Mahotsava
- Timings: 05:00 pm to 08:00 pm
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
Nested in a lush green forest, Kulathupuzha Temple is situated on the road connecting Trivandrum to Sengottai. The picturesque surroundings presented by Kulathupuzha River that flows nearby attracts the wayfarer. You can enjoy the serenity of the place to the fullest. Famous for its Architectural finesse, the temple houses a deity called Sastha, commonly called Ayyappa.
The devotees of the temple visit it in during the season of Mandala- Makaravilakku. The shrine is quiet significant for the Ayyappa worshippers. Sastha, the deity is worshipped in the temple premises as child- Ayyappa or Manikantan. Besides him, Lord Shiva is also revered by the devotees; they offer their prayers to his lingam. Other deities whose images are present in Kulathupuzha Temple include Lord Vishnu and Ganesha.
An important Festival that is celebrated here is Vishnu Mahotsava. Thousands of visitors gather at the shrine in the month of April or May to seek the blessings of the divine god.
Legend of the Temple
As per the legend, once a Brahman along with his servants was returning from a pilgrimage. On their way, they camped at Kallada River. In order to prepare food, servants looked out for stones. They found that a stone was already fixed, so with two additional stones they stared making an artificial oven. As the height of the original stone was more than the other two, these two stones were placed one above the other. After placing the stones, servants noticed that height of the bigger stone had increased. So the level of additional stones was increased by them.
As soon as they did, they found that the stone’s height had again increased. In fit of rage, they broke this magical stone. To their utter surprise, blood started oozing out of it. They reported the matter to their master who healed the stone with the sacred water from the pilgrimage. As soon as he did it, Lord Ayyappa emerged as a child and surprised the onlookers. The local inhabitants constructed Kulathupuzha Temple at place.
If you are going to visit the temple, you are advised to avoid revealing clothes.
- Suggested to Read: Popular Hindu Temples in Kerala
Weather
- Summer (March to June): Summers in Kulathupuzha are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 35°C (82°F to 95°F). It’s advisable to carry light cotton clothing and stay hydrated if you plan to visit during this period.
- Monsoon (June to September): The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to the region, creating a lush and vibrant landscape. While the temple surroundings look incredibly beautiful during this time, traveling may be challenging due to the rains and potential flooding.
- Autumn (October to November): This is a transitional period with pleasant weather. Temperatures range from 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F), and it’s an excellent time to visit when the rain has subsided, and the greenery is at its peak.
- Winter (December to February): Winters in Kulathupuzha are cool and comfortable, with temperatures between 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). This is the best time to visit the temple, as the weather is ideal for outdoor activities and temple visits.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kulathupuzha Temple is during the winter months, from December to February. The weather is pleasant, and you can fully enjoy the temple’s serene surroundings and natural beauty without the discomfort of extreme heat or heavy rain. Autumn, from October to November, is also a good option for those who prefer milder weather.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest major airport to Kulathupuzha is Trivandrum International Airport, which is approximately 48 kilometers away. From the airport.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Kulathupuzha is Thenmala 10 km (6.2 mi).
- By Road: Kulathupuzha Temple is well-connected by road. It is approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the town of Kulathupuzha.
