The Paakkil Dharmasastha Temple is located near Pallam in Kottayam district. Temple is situated about 5km south from Kottayam KSRTC bus station. This is one of the eight temples established by Parasuram, the great legend. During Sabarimala pilgrimage season, many devotees visit this temple.
The presiding deity is Lord Ayyappa, known as Shastha or Dharmasastha
The main deity of Paakkil Dharmasastha, Lord Ayyappa, sits in a Padmasana posture facing the east. The sub-deities are Malanadu Bhagavathi and Nagaraja. The ten-day annual festival concludes with the Uthram ritual in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March/April). The temple flag is hoisted on Kartika day to commence the annual celebrations, and it ends with Arattu on Uthram day. It’s also called Uthram Arattu (Painkuni Uthram).
The Paakkil Dharmasastha temple performs three daily poojas and seeveli, and the main offerings here are naazhiyari (a rice offering) and butter. Neerajanam offerings on Saturdays can be done here. Sub deities are Ganapathy, Shiva, Maalikappurathamma, Nagaraja and Nagayakshi.
Paakkil Dharmasastha and Thekkumkoor connection
It is believed that the temple was originally a small shrine, later rebuilt by the Thekkumkoor king who ruled from Kottayam Thali as his capital. For this family, this deity remains the paradevata. According to legend, the original idol installed by Parashurama would not remain steady. It was then firmly consecrated by Paakkanar of the mythical ‘Paravi Petta Panthirukulam’. This legend is associated with the beginning of the Samkrama Vanibham (Sanctity Day Market) held at the temple.
Place to buy reed baskets, screwpine mats, pottery, vegetable seeds, knives and crocks
The market takes place on the day of Karkidaka Sankranti (July-August). In earlier times, items such as koottu, vatti, and muram (traditional household implements) were the main goods brought to the fair. It is believed that Paakkanar, son of Vararuchi himself, graces the occasion on that day. It was the place where Pakkanar and his family sold their wares.
Also read: Oditta Koottala Mahavishnu Temple
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