Ochira, popularly known as Dakshina Kashi, is located on the border of
Kollam and
Alappuzha districts. The place gets its name from 'Om Chira' meaning the land of Param brahmam. Ochira town mainly revolves round the nucleus of the famous Parabrahma temple.
Kollam town is 34 km north of Ochira.
The peculiar feature of this pilgrim center is that there is no deity or idol in the famous Parabrahma Temple. Ochira Kali (held in mid-June), Panthrandu Vilakku ('twelve lamps festival', held in November-December) and Irupathettam Onam are the famous festivals celebrated here.
The Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram at Amrita Puri is 10 km from Ochira.
Thiruvananthapuram is 100 km south and Kochi is 130 km north of Ochira. Kayamkulam, 3 km north of Ochira, is a major railhead on the
Southern Railway.
National Highway 47 passes through Ochira. Ochira has a minor railway station.
