The Thakazhi Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is located Thakazhy village in Alappuzha district. The presiding deity is Sastha and the idol of Sastha faces east. There are no subsidiary deities in this temple. Dharma Sastha Temple is six kilometres away from Ambalapuzha. Devotees visit this temple to be cured of rheumatic pains through special oil prepared with natural oils and herbs. Kunjan Nambiar, who resided in Ambalapuzha, has mentioned about this Dharma Sastha Temple in one of his works.
5 divasa poojas performed in Thakazhi Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
This temple is also known as Othalodiyan kavu. It is a historically renowned shrine where five daily poojas are performed, following Manayathattu thantric rites. It is believed that the consecration ritual of the Thakazhi Sree Dharma Sastha Temple was conducted by Vilwamangalam Swamiyar. According to legend, Swamiyar obtained the idol from the Pamba River. The idol, which was buried in slush, was lovingly cleaned and then consecrated.
It was first believed to be installed on a hill named Othera by Lord Parasurama. But the idol drifted to a farm because of a heavy flood, and later Vilwamangalam Swamiyar got it from holy Pamba. In another popular tale, it was an Odiyan who found the idol and gave it to Swamiyar. He gave it to sage Udhayarkkan and instructed him to install it. The ruling king of Chembakassery built a temple later.
Annual celebrations of Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is done in a grant way
The annual festival of Thakazhi Sree Dharma Sastha Temple lasts for eight days, with the Aarattu falling on Uthram star in the Malayalam month of Kumbham. Uthram is the birth star of Lord Ayyappa. Kalamezhuthupattu – a floor art associated with Kerala temple rituals, is conducted for 41 days. Kalabhabhishekam is celebrated for 11 days starting from first day of Malayalam month Dhanu. Many devotees visit this holy place for healing and relief from rheumatism
Thakazhi Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is famous for medicated oil – Valiyenna
Roasted rice powder (Varutha Podi) is the main offering (naivedyam) here. The famous “Valiyenna” (medicated oil) of this temple is prepared using medicinal herbs. This oil, made by combining 84 types of medicinal herbs collected from ‘Othar’ hill and 64 varieties of angadi (market) medicines, is believed to cure rheumatic ailments and boy pains.
‘Aasan’, belonging to a Nair family, prepares this medicine. Specific dietary restrictions and disciplines must be followed while using this oil. During the preparation of the oil, milk-payasam is prepared on a nearby hearth. If the payasam overflows during cooking, it is considered a good omen. When a thin layer forms on the top of payasam, the oil is also supposed to be ready.
The Thakazhi Sree Dharma Sastha temple is also believed to possess special significance in yogic practices and traditional healing methods.
Also read: A divine note on Paakkil Dharmasastha Temple
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