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An ancient forest temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa as a child, famous for its sacred river fish and the 'Meenootu' feeding ritual.
Discover what makes this destination truly special
Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated on the banks of the Kulathupuzha River, surrounded by the dense forests of the Western Ghats. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, who is worshipped here in the form of a child, known as 'Bala Sastha'. This is one of the five important temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in Kerala, collectively called the 'Pancha Sastha Sthalangal'. The main idol is believed to have been installed by a Brahmin from the Kottarakkara royal family.
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
November to January (Sabarimala season), April (Vishu festival), and on weekends.
September-October and February-March, particularly on weekdays.
June to August, during the peak monsoon season.
Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours
Indian Visitors
Free
No entry fee
Opening Hours
5:00 AM — 8:00 PM
The temple is open daily but closes in the afternoon. Typical hours are 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Timings may vary slightly on festival days.
Free entry for all visitors. Donations are accepted. There are separate charges for special pujas and offerings like 'Meenootu'.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Kulathupuzha Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Kulathupuzha, Kollam, Kerala 691310
Coordinates
8.9065, 77.0565
Nearest City
Kollam
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), approximately 70 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi which takes about 2-3 hours to re...
The nearest major railway station is Kollam Junction (QLN), located about 62 km away. It is well-connected to all major cities in India. Taxis and buses are ava...
Kulathupuzha is connected by state highways to Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, and Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu. KSRTC buses run frequently from these cities. The drive th...
Auto-rickshaws are the primary mode of local transport for short distances. State-run buses connect Kulathupuzha with nearby towns and villages. Taxis are also ...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
The history of the Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple is rooted in ancient legends. It is considered one of the five temples established by Lord Parasurama to protect Kerala. The current idol, depicting Lord Ayyappa as a child, was consecrated by a member of the Kottarakkara royal family. Legends state that...
The temple's primary significance lies in it being one of the five major Sastha temples in Kerala, each representing a different stage of Lord Ayyappa's life. Kulathupuzha represents his childhood ('Balyam'). Culturally, it is known for the unique 'Meenootu' ritual, where feeding the sacred fish is ...
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