Achankovil
Achankovil in Kerala is both the name of a river and a village, famous for the Shastha (Ayyappaa) Temple.
Achankovil Sastha temple
Achankovil Sastha Temple, (Dharmasastha Temple) is one of the five important temples dedicated to lord Ayyappa. At Achankovil temple Lord Ayyappa is depicted in the Grihastha Ashrama form. He is symbolically depicted along with his two wives – Purna and Pushkala. According to the myths Lord Parashurama installed the idol of Ayyappa at Achankovil temple.
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chankovil village is located deep in the forest, accessible only through the forest routes. You can reach Achankovil from both Kerala and Tamilnadu side. The road from Tamilnad side ( from Shenkottai) is better motorable.Achankovil Shastha Temple, (Dharmasastha Temple) is one of the five important temples dedicated to lord Ayyappa. At Achankovil temple Lord Ayyappa is depicted in the Grihastha Ashrama form. He is symbolically depicted along with his two wives – Purna and Pushkala. According to the myths Lord Parashurama installed the idol of Ayyappa at Achankovil temple.
See also How to reach Achankovil and Punalur to Achankovil. Buses (KSRTC) from Kerala to Achankovil operate both from Punalur and via Sengottai. During the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, the route get a a bit busy. See how to combine Achankovil with the routes to Sabarimala
Kollam
Achankovil village, seen in the background is the western Ghats forests
Shenkottai to Achankovil road near Kottavasal Karuppaswamy Temple
Shenkottai to Achankovil road near Kottavasal Karuppaswamy Temple
Karuppasamy temple of Kottavasal, on the way to Achankovil. Karuppasamy is considered as the lieutenant of lord Ayyappan. This is the place believed to be the location where lord Ayyappa met on his way to Sabarimala met Karuppasamy . This shrine is by the side of the ghat road, a flight of steps can take to town to the temple location.
Karuppasamy temple of Kottavasal, on the way to Achankovil. Karuppasamy is considered as the lieutenant of lord Ayyappan. This is the place believed to be the location where lord Ayyappa met on his way to Sabarimala met Karuppasamy . This shrine is by the side of the ghat road, a flight of steps can take to town to the temple location.
Sabarimala
Rail and Road Routes to Sabarimala
Kollam
Achankovil village
Achankovil village, seen in the background is the western Ghats forests
Shenkottai to Achankovil road near Kottavasal Karuppaswamy Temple
Karuppasamy temple of Kottavasal, on the way to Achankovil. Karuppasamy is considered as the lieutenant of lord Ayyappan. This is the place believed to be the location where lord Ayyappa met on his way to Sabarimala met Karuppasamy . This shrine is by the side of the ghat road, a flight of steps can take to town to the temple location.
Sabarimala
How to reach Sabarimala by Road
Rail and Road Routes to Sabarimala