KODANNUR SASTHA TEMPLE
The Kodannur Sastha Temple is a picturesque and serene sanctuary nestled in the beautiful village of Kodannur. This sacred place, where Sri Dharmasastha, the benevolent deity of the Kali Yuga, resides, is affectionately known as “Sasthamkadavu.” The temple is set against a backdrop of lush greenery, with towering coconut trees and expansive paddy fields, facing the west.
Within the temple’s expansive walls, the architecture reflects its distinct character. The temple is adorned with a grand Anappalla enclosure, spacious temple walls, an impressive Uttupura (feeding hall), intricately carved stone pillars, a Balikkalpura, a large temple structure, and a modest yet revered Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum). The idol of Sastha, believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu), is enshrined in a Panchaloha (five-metal) sphere. To the south of the Sreekovil, there is a Ganapathy shrine.
This magnificent temple is a major center of worship in the village of Kodannur and stands as the only Sastha temple in the Paralam Panchayat.
Kodannur Sastha is a prominent deity among the 24 deities participating in the renowned Peruvanam and Arattupuzha Poorams. According to the ancient text Perumanam GranthaVari, which mentions “AayathuShivalokam,” this year marks the 1443th Pooram. Thus, the Kodannur Sasta Temple is believed to be of considerable antiquity.
It is said that Thiruvullakkavu Sastha, Kodannur Sastha, and Manakodi Ayyappan are three divine relatives within the same spiritual lineage. Thiruvullakkavu is considered the head, Kodannur the heart, and Manakodi the feet. Just as Thiruvullakkavu Sastha Kshetram is revered for its significance in Vidyarambham (initiation into learning), the Kodannur Sastha Temple is also celebrated for Vidyarambham and Saraswati Puja. Devotees firmly believe that worshiping Kodannur Sastha enhances wisdom, knowledge, and karma, making him a special and revered deity in their lives.
The Kodannur Sasta Temple, nestled in the serene village of Kodannur, is a place of divine grace and spiritual significance. Each year, on the first day of Vrischikam, a large number of devotees, some traveling from distant places, come to this sacred temple to don the Ayyappa Mudra and begin their Mandalavritham. During the Mandala season, special pujas, Niramala, and Bhajans are conducted with great devotion.
The temple’s most significant annual celebration is the nine-day Pooram festival, which coincides with the Arattupuzha Pooram in the month of Meenam. The festivities begin on Makiram day with the purification rituals (Shuddhi), Sreebhoothabali, and in the evening, the deity is ceremoniously taken out in a grand procession. The tradition here is to commence the Pooram with a grand drum ensemble (Kottipurappadu). As the Pooram procession begins, devotees welcome the deity with offerings of paddy, rice, and Malar in Nirapara. The Panchari Melam continues until 10 PM, after which the deity is taken to Venginissery CherattuThrikkovil for the Irakkipooja before being ceremoniously returned to the temple at midnight. Each day during the Pooram season, after the tantric rituals, the deity is taken to designated locations for the Irakkipooja and the ceremonial collection of offerings (Parayeduppu).
On the second day, the Kuttala Pooram takes place, followed by the Manakkal Pooram on the third day. The fourth day, Pooyam Nakshatram, sees the grand procession at the Peruvanam Pooram, where Kodannur Sasta holds a significant position in the Vilakkezhunnallippu. On the fifth day, the procession heads to Pidikapparambu, and on the sixth day, to Perumbillisseri. The seventh day marks the grand procession to Arattupuzha Pooram.
Arattupuzha Pooram, often referred to as the Maha Utsavam, is a grand gathering where 10 Sasthas, 12 Goddesses, and Thriprayar Thevar come together. Kodannur Sastha’s participation in this divine assembly underscores the temple’s ancient significance and its enduring importance.
After the Arattupuzha Pooram, the temple’s rituals conclude with the UthramVilakku procession to Ayyakunnu. Following this, on the day of Atham, the deity is ceremoniously brought from Cherattuthrikkovil to the temple with a grand melam, marking the Kodikkal Pooram at the western gate. The Pooram festivities conclude with the flag-lowering ceremony as the deity is brought inside, and the elephant brings down the flagpole.
In addition to Pooram, the temple also celebrates Prathishta Day, Kalasha anniversary, Navaratri, Mandala Niramala, KarkidakamNiramala, and Bhagavatha Saptaham with meticulous care and devotion.
Historically, the temple was managed by the Kuravattanavumana of Kodannur. However, the Kerala Land Reforms Act of 1970 led to financial difficulties for the temple. In 1974, the local community formed the Temple Welfare Committee to restore and preserve the temple. In 1977, with the approval of the Cochin Devaswom Board, the committee took over the administration of the temple. Since then, both the number of devotees and the temple’s income have increased. With the support and cooperation of the devotees, the temple underwent extensive renovations and was rejuvenated through Kalashakarmas. The temple’s governing committee continues to implement innovative projects aimed at the temple’s overall development. The construction of gopurams at both entrances of the temple has been completed.