Sri Dharma Sastha temple at Thrikunnapuzha, Alleppey / Alappuzha

Sri Dharma Sastha temple is located in the karthigapally Taluk of the Alleppey district. This is one of the ancient temples found in the state of zkerala. There are are writings in and around the temple area to tell us of the visits of people from other countries.It is believed that Dharmasastha reigns the village and the areas which surrounds it.  It is also said that the Giod is very benevolent and just bestows his blessings to his devotees. This Dharma Sastha temple is also known as Padinjara Pathinettampadi.

History of the Sri Dharma Sastha temple at Thrikunnapuzha, Alleppey / Alappuzha
As per the archaeologists the idol inside the temple is about 5000 years old. It is also said that there was another temple just a furlong away from the present one. That temple was consecrated by Lord Parasurama and was known as  Paliam Sasanam. Paliam sasanam had become the symbol of Kerala Architecture and crafts.
Lord Parasurama after killing many kshatriyas to avenge his father's death, came to thrikunnapuzha, created a temple with Dharmasastha along with his wife and son.
Then he did pooja to appease his ancestors called as Pithru Pooja.  Even now the Pithru Pooja is done  and Bali Pindam offered, to enable the departed souls get moksha. This offering of the Bali Pindam is done in the month of Karkidakam of the Malayalam Calender and is consiodered to be a very important event.
In the great flood which happened after sometime, most of the entire village was swept off. The idols were recovered and kept in a temporary shelter till King Mahindran, the son of the Emperor Ashoka  came and set up a new place and started worshipping the God. Since Emperor Ashoka and his dynasty are known Budhhists, the temple also started to follow the rites and rituals as well as the shape of a Budhhist temple.
This temple was also known as Sreemoolapadam lokanadhan. The records also say that Chandragupta, in the 4th century, on his way to Ceylon visited Sreemoolavasam. The Paliyam Thamra Sasanam written by Chandragupta Varaguna in the 9th century mentions the temple.

Poojas and Rituals at the Sri Dharma Sastha Temple at Thrikunnapuzha
Kalakabhishekam (adorning of the idol with sandalwood paste), Appam (favourite food to the deity), Mahaganapathy Homam (bonefire homage to Ganapathy), Bhagavathy Seva (propitiation to Ganapathy), Archana, Panchamrutham (ritual offering of sweet mix made of 5 types of fruits and sweet ingredients) and Dhara (pouring of milk or ghee on the image of the deity) are the rituals.
There is a 10 day annual festival in the month of Vrischigam ( October / November) for which we can see many devotees come from all over.

Contact Details of the Sri Dharma Sastha temple at Thrikunnapuzha 
Sree Dharmasastha Temple
Thrikunnappuzha P.O.
Alappuzha,
Kerala - 690515
Tel: 0479-2482150
Email: info@sreedharmasastha.org

Accommodations in the district of Alappuzha / Alleppey in Kerala