Aryankavu Ayyappa (Sastha) Temple is situated 70 km from
Kollam at
Aryankavu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
The folklore behind the Ayyappa is similar to that of Sabarimala Dharmasastha. The distinction being that the idol was brought by the Pandi Raja of
Madurai and not by the Raja of
Pandalam. Another unique feature of the temple is that it was built about 35 ft below the road level.
Mandala puja and Thrikalyanam (held in December) are the main festivals celebrated here and people flock here in large numbers during these festivals. This temple has beautiful sculptures and mural paintings.
Palaruvi (river of milk), a waterfall, in the dense forest area about 2 km from the temple premises is a major attraction nearby.
The temple can be approached from Thiruvananthapuram by traveling about 86 km on the Thiruvananthapuram–Shenkottai Road. The nearest railway station is at Aryankavu.
