Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple - Hindu temple in Sasthamcotta - Kollam, India

The temple here is well known for the inhabitance of monkeys. The temple monkeys are believed to be the divine retinue of the prime deity. The Sasthamcotta temple is one among the five ancient Sastha temples in Kerala - AchanKoil, Aryankavu, Kulathupuzha, Sasthamcotta and Sabarimala. The concept of Dharma Sastha represents the unison of Vaishnava and Saiva beliefs. The legend of this temple stretches beyond the period of the Ramayana (Treta Yuga). It is believed that Shri Rama along with his wife Sita, brother Lakshmana and the whole vaanara sena, on their way back to Ayodhya after the victory over Ravana, visited Sasthamcotta to pay their reverence to Shri Dharma Sastha. Shri Rama offered pithru tharpan on the banks of the Sasthamcotta Lake, the water of which is supposed to be identical to Surya Raga Theertha of Manasa Sarovar. Lord Rama then deputed the chief architect of his vanara (monkey) team, Neelan to serve his host. Neelan is believed to be the predecessor of the prevailing monkey clan in this temple.

A calm temple in the side of sasthamcotta lake of dharmasastha. It is believed that sabarimala sastha came here for the sake of one pandalam king. The fish, monkeys and a crocodile (now no crocodile ) become part of temple. Spl feeding for monkey is an offering to god

Calm and quite atmosphere... Run by devaswam board... Lot of trees are there.. you can see lit of monkey's also. Near by lake's is one of the best attraction... Temple dwaja renovation work is undergoing.. lot of parking in front of the temple.. very rush in morning. Few boat's are there in the lake. But make sure about the security measures before using the same. I don't thik it's having enough security measures... Nice place..

Such a serene and beautiful temple. On the banks of Sasthamkota lake and dense flora and trees the temple premises are extremely calming and soothing. There are monkeys on the trees which are called 'Ambalakurangan' (temple monkeys) which are associated with the temple and eat the food and fruits given by the temple. Ample parking available for cars in front of the temple. Really satisfying visit to the temple.

One of the most dominant Shastha Temple in Kerala.It is located at Shastamcotta in Kollam District. The location of the temple itself is something that u dont come across daily. The temple is surrounded by Shastamcotta lake and thus the surrounding area is so peaceful and refreshing. Another important aspect of the temple is that, it's full of monkeys. That's right!, monkeys wander all around the temple. There is even a small Bhojanashala for the apes.The atmosphere and vibe of the temple is outmatched. Talking about the temple,other pratishtas include Lord shiva,Yakshi, Nagas and Ganesh. There is ample parking space and toilet facilities are also available. Definitely a must visit temple in Kerala. !Swamy Sharanam!

Shri Dharma Sastha temple is a hindu temple located at the village sasthamkotta kerala, India is surrounded three sides by the largest fresh water lake of Kerala, sasthamkotta lake .The temple here is well known for the inhabitance of monkeys. The temple monkeys are believed to be the divine retinue of the prime deity. The Sasthamcotta temple is one among the five ancient Sastha temples in Kerala - AchanKoil, Aryankavu, Kulathupuzha, Sasthamcotta and Sabarimala. The concept of Dharma Sastha represents the unison of vaishnava and saiva beliefs.The presiding deity of the temple is Shri Dharma Sastha, accompanied by his consort 'Prabha' and son 'Sathyaka'.

Calm atmosphere.. Surrounded by alot of trees, near sasthamkotta lake.. We can a lot of monkeys there

Gud place to visit ..must go...there is a good fresh water lake .it is the largest fresh water source