Kerala in Valmiki Ramayanam was only resembled astachala (sun set) mountain
Vide Kishkindaa kandam west search. KR IRS 3625
Valmiki Ramayanam, Kishkinda kandam Chapter 42 - Other Monkeys are sent to
explore the Western Region
Having dispatched those monkeys in a southerly direction,
Sugriva, addressing the leader, Sushena, who resembled a cloud, with bent
head and joined palms approached his father-in-law, Tara’s sire, who was
endowed with great prowess, and spoke to him also. Then he issued orders to
Marica, the son of Maharshi and the mighty ape, Archismat, surrounded by
the foremost of monkeys, possessing the splendour of Mahendra and like unto
Vainateya in brilliance, and also to Marica’s offspring, the Maricas, the
mighty Archirmalayas, that all these sons of the ascetic should march
towards the region of the West, saying:—
“O You Monkey Chiefs, let two hundred thousand monkeys, led by Sushena, set
out in search of Vaidehi! Scour the countries of the Saurashtras, the
Bahlikas and Candracitras abounding in antimony and other provinces and
populous places and fair and pleasant cities and Kukshi, dense with Punnaga
trees and filled with Bakula and Uddalaka trees, as well as the tracts
covered with Ketakas and the auspicious streams whose cool waters flow
towards the west.
“Explore the forest of the ascetics and the mountain woodlands; there,
having searched the tracts resembling deserts, the towering cliffs and the
mountain ranges, extremely difficult of access, proceed further, when you
will behold the sea, which abounds in whales and crocodiles, O Monkeys.
“Then the apes shall disport themselves amidst the groves covered with Ketakas
and dense with Tamala and coconut trees. Look for Sita and Ravana’s
stronghold there, in hills and woods, on the shores of the sea and explore
Murachipattana and the delightful cities of Jatapura, Avanti and Angalapa
as also the forest of Alakshita and all these spacious kingdoms.
“There, where the river Sindhu joins the ocean, is a high mountain named
Somagiri, possessing a hundred peaks and covered with tall trees. On its
slopes dwell the Sinhas who carry whales and elephants to their nests.
These are found on the mountain ridges and on the extensive plateaus, where
wild elephants range, gratified with food, whose trumpeting resembles the
roar of thunder. The monkeys, able to change their shape at will, should
scour that golden summit, towering to the sky and covered with graceful
trees.
“In the middle of the sea rises the golden summit of the Mountain
Pariyatra, extending over a hundred yojanas. There dwell thousands of
powerful Gandharvas, effulgent as fire, formidable and mischievous,
resembling flames. O Valiant Monkeys, do not approach them nor seek to eat
the fruits from that region. These fruit trees are guarded with ferocious
vigilance by those mighty Gandharvas, nevertheless you should search for
Janaki there, nor have you ought to fear if you preserve your monkey form.
“There is a mighty hill, the colour of emerald, shining like a diamond,
named Vajra, covered with trees and creepers, an hundred yojanas in height
and area; carefully search all the caves of that mountain.
“In the fourth quarter of the ocean is the Mt. Charavat; there Vishwakarma
forged the discus Sahasrara, which together with the conch was taken
possession of by Shri Vishnu when he had slain Pancajana and the Danava
Hayagriva. In those deep caverns and amidst those charming slopes, search
for Ravana and Videha’s daughter with care.
“Beyond, rising from the depths of the sea, is the mighty mountain, Varaha
with its peak of pure gold which measures four and sixty yojanas. On it is
the golden city named Pragjyotisha where the giant, Naraka, dwells. There
do you search for Ravana and Vaidehi among the beautiful plateaus and huge
caves.
“Passing beyond that foremost of mountains, revealing glimpses of the gold
in its depths, you will come to the Mountain Sarvasauvarna with its many
fountains and waterfalls; there elephants, wild boar, lions and tigers roar
ceaselessly on every side, filling it with their clamour day and night.
Then there is the mountain named Megha where the Gods crowned the fortunate
Mahendra, he of the bay horses, the Vanquisher of Paka. Having passed that
mountain protected by Mahendra, you should repair to a range of sixty
thousand golden hills, bright as the rising sun, casting their light on
every side and embellished with blossoming golden trees. In their midst
rises the monarch of mountains, Meru, the foremost of hills, on whom
Aditya, well pleased, conferred a boon saying:—
“‘By my grace all the mountains under your protection shall be golden by
night and day and those Gods who inhabit you, the Gandharvas and Danavas,
shall both assume the radiance of gold.’
“At dusk, the Vishvadevas, the Vasus, the Maruts and the Celestials gather
to adore the Sun-god and worshipped by them the sun sinks below the horizon
traversing forty thousand miles in the space of an hour, when it withdraws
behind the mountain range. On the summit of that mountain rises a palace
resembling the sun in splendour, consisting of countless towers, which was
built by Vishvakarma and is graced by various trees filled with birds. It
is the abode of the magnanimous Varuna, who bears the noose in his hand.
“Between the Meru mountain and the Astachala Range there is a great Tala
tree with ten crests, made of pure gold, which shines with extreme
brilliance on a marvellous base. Search all the inaccessible places on this
mountain, as well as the lakes and rivers for Ravana and Vaidehi.
“It is there that the virtuous Merusavami dwells, sanctified by his
asceticism and equal to Brahma himself. Bowing down, you should make
enquiries of the Maharishi Merusavami,Jvho resembles the sun, concerning
Mithila’s daughter.
“From the end of the night, all those regions, that the sun illumines till
it sets behind the Astachala mountains, should be searched by you, O Bulls
among the Monkeys, but of that which lies beyond which is covered in
darkness and without bourne, we know nought! {Astachal mountain is known as
the "western mountain" or the "setting mountain". It is a mythical mountain
in Hindu cosmology where the sun is believed to set.}[THIS IS KERALA IN
RAMAYANAM]
“Search for Sita and Ravana in this region as far as the Astachala Mountain
and at the end of a month, return; those who tarry beyond this term will
die. My father-in-law of long arms gifted with great prowess, I appoint as
your leader; you should abide by his commands and listen to all he says; he
is my spiritual preceptor. All of you are valorous and well able to
ascertain the wisdom of a course, still you will be doing your duty in
accepting him as your leader. In this wise, explore the western quarter.
Having requited the good that has been done to us, we shall attain our end.
Do you also determine what is pleasing to Rama and, in accord with time and
place, execute it.”
Then those monkeys and their leaders with Sushena at their head, having
given a due hearing to the wise counsel delivered by Sugriva, offered
salutations to him and set out for the quarter protected by Varuna.
K R IRS 3625
On Mon, 2 Jun 2025 at 14:13, Gopala Krishnan <[email protected]> wrote:
> SHRI DHARMA SASTHA TEMPLE-SASTHAMKOTTA, QUION DISTRICT- KERALA-COMPILED
>
> Dear friends,
>
> Today my posting is about the famous Sri Dharma Sastha temple at
> Sasthamkotta in the Quilon District of Kerala. Here the deity is Grihastha
> with his third wife *Prabha and son Sathyaka*. Other two wives are Poorna
> and Pushkala.
>
> The primary attraction of Sasthamcotta is its *magnificent lake, the
> largest freshwater lake in Kerala.* Nostalgic memories come to me
> answering it as a Question Answer in the primary school.
>
> Spanning an area of approximately 375 hectares, Sasthamcotta Lake is
> surrounded by lush greenery and hills, providing a stunning backdrop for
> visitors. Shri Dharma Sastha temple is surrounded three sides by the
> largest fresh water lake of Kerala, Sasthamkotta lake.
>
> Sasthamkotta Lake is also known as the *"Queen of Lakes".* Sasthamkotta
> Lake is not directly on a river, but it is located in the downstream side
> of the *Kallada River basin and is separated from the Kallada River* by
> an earthen embankment. *The lake's main water sources are direct rainfall
> and underground recharge, with some water also flowing from the Kallada
> River into the rice fields that border the lake*.
>
> *Sasthamkotta Lake in Kerala is a natural freshwater lake, not artificial*.
> It is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala and a Ramsar site, meaning it
> is internationally recognized for its ecological importance. The lake is
> known for its high water purity, attributed to a unique larva that
> eliminates bacteria.
>
> Sasthamkotta is famous for the Sasthamkotta Lake, and for the ancient
> Sastha Temple located on its banks, making it a significant pilgrimage
> site. Additionally, Sasthamkotta is recognized for its large monkey
> population, particularly around the temple, which are considered sacred.
>
> Hope a divine reading.
>
> Gopalakrishnan 2-6-2025
>
> Introduction
>
> The Sasthamkotta Sree Dharmasastha temple is one of five ancient Sastha
> temples located in Kerala. The scenic setting of the temple, located by the
> banks of the Sasthamkotta Lake, Kerala's largest freshwater lake, makes it
> a beautiful sight.
>
> *Legend has it that Lord Rama worshipped the swayambhu idol here while en
> route on his journey to find Sita who was abducted by Ravana.*
>
> The temple is one among the five ancient Sastha temples in Kerala -
> AchanKoil, Aryankavu, Kulathupuzha, Sabarimala and Sasthamcotta.
>
> Legend
>
> Once a prince of Pandalam married a princess from the royal family of
> Kayamkulam and settled there. The prince, who used to regularly pray to
> lord Ayyappa in Sabarimala found it difficult to continue his routine
> monthly visits because of his close attachment with Princess of Kayamkulam
> and not able to leave her for days. This displeased lord Ayyappa and the
> signs of the lord’s displeasure started showing within the royal family.
> The prince repented for the mistake, set out to Sabarimala and worshipped
> there for a period of twelve days.
>
> The worries about managing the Sabarimala darshan, disturbed him all
> along. On the night of the 12th day of worship, lord Ayyappa appeared
> before him in his dream and suggested that he better continue to stay at
> Kayamkulam itself. Instead of visiting Sabarimala, the lord asked to visit
> Sasthamcotta and worship him where the same divine presence of Sabarimala
> existed.
>
> The lord also said that a youngster who comes to the forthcoming festival
> at Kayamkulam palace will help to locate the place. As said in the dream, a
> youngster who participated in the archery competition of the festival shot
> an arrow. A team, including the Prince and the youngster, started towards
> the eastern direction in search of the arrow to declare the winner. Finally
> they reached the bank of this lake. They found that arrow on a small island
> in that lake.
>
> Surprisingly, there was a small platform on which the idol of lord Ayyappa
> was being worshipped by a monkey clan. At that time the young man
> disappeared. *The Kayamkulam and Pandalam kings then renovated and built
> the temple in its present form.*
>
> The concept of Dharma Sastha represents the unison of Vaishnava and
> Shaiva beliefs. The history of the idol was based on the period of the
> Ramayana. It is believed that after the victory over Ravana, lord Rama
> along with his wife Sita, brother Lakshmana and whole monkey sena visited
> Sasthamcotta to pay their reverence to Dharma Sastha.
>
> On the banks of the Sasthamcotta, Sri Rama offered the rites to ancestors
> which is supposed to be identical to Surya Raga Theertha of Manasarovar.
>
> Lord Rama then deputed the chief architect of his monkey team, Neelan to
> serve his host. That is the way the idol here got its significance.
>
> Legend about the present deity in Sasthamcotta temple is none other than
> the swayambhu idol worshipped by Lord Ram during his trip to Lanka (Sri
> Lanka) in search of his consort, Sita. Rama then deputed Neelan, the chief
> architect of the army of monkeys to serve the Lord there. That is how the
> monkeys came to be there.
>
> History
>
> The temple was built by a prince of Pandalam and Kayamkulam Royal
> families.
>
> Architecture
>
> The temple has a spectacular ambience with Kerala style of architecture.
>
> Sanctum
>
> There is a self-originated big rock and a number of smaller rocks similar
> to Salagramam, in the sanctum that receives the adoration*. The water
> poured during abhishekam does not flow out; it goes down and is believed to
> go to the lake*.
>
> The rituals as well as astrological revelations show that the spot must
> have been the place of worship for the Shaiva, Vaishnava, Koula and Budha
> sects. The name of the place, Shasthamkotta (the fort of Shastha) is also
> associated with Dharma Shastha. Historically also the place must have been
> a forest. While the other animals left when the temple was built according
> to order of sastha, the monkeys alone permitted to remain in the area.
>
> The monkeys remained there as there were enough trees and fruits for them
> to survive. Special provision is made for the food for the monkeys and
> devotees also contribute to it.
>
> Chief Deity
>
> The temple is dedicated to Lord Dharma sastha (Ayyappa).
>
> *My note- According to copper plate writings at* Sreevallabha temple, the
> deity Lord Dharma Sastha and Ayyappa are the same. The Lord at Sabarimala
> is Dharma sastha in his incarnation as Brahma chari. Pandalam royal family
> son was “ Mani khanta”, who got himself entered in to Dharma sastha after
> tiger milk incident. Ref-Dr Sasi bhooshan, Historian,Kerala.
>
> The Dharmasastha (deity) here is said to have the *same powers as that of
> Lord Ayyappa in Sabarimala* and the place derives the name from the
> deity, the former name being Kotta.
>
> The ancient Sastha (Ayyappa, son of Shiva and Mohini [Vishnu in female
> form], according to legends) temple, which lends its name to the town, is
> also dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple, though at the edge of forests
> and has hills on its side is also next to a small town that has developed
> next to it.
>
> Sub Deities:
>
> Sree Ganapathy, Lord Siva, Lord Madan Thampuran, Nagaraja, Nagayakshi,
> Yakshi, Rekshas, Yogeeswarans
>
> Offerings
>
> Ada 1 Koottu₹160 Aravana Payasam₹50
>
> Ayilya Pooja₹35 Dhara - Jalam ( Continously)₹25
>
> Ellu Paayasam₹55 Ganapathy Homam₹60
>
> Mrithyunjaya Havanam₹100 Nelpara₹120
>
> Ottayappam₹50 Palpayasam₹40
>
> Sooktha Pushpanjali₹30 Therali Nivedhyam₹60
>
> Vara Nivedyam₹30
>
> Entry is restricted to Hindus.
>
> Offerings
>
> Ada 1 Koottu₹160 Aravana Payasam₹50
>
> Ayilya Pooja₹35 Dhara - Jalam ( Continously)₹25
>
> Ellu Paayasam₹55 Ganapathy Homam₹60
>
> Mrithyunjaya Havanam₹100 Nelpara₹120
>
> Ottayappam₹50 Palpayasam₹40
>
> Sooktha Pushpanjali₹30 Therali Nivedhyam₹60
>
> Vara Nivedyam₹30
>
> Entry is restricted to Hindus.
>
> Festivals
>
> The highlight of this temple is the ten-day annual festival. During the
> festival, the colourful Kettukazhcha ritual procession, along with various
> folk arts such as Mayilattam, Kaala (bull motif), Kuthira (horse motif),
> Ammankudam are performed.
>
> The festival concludes with the Arattu ceremony, five caparisoned
> elephants take part in a procession held at midnight. *People going to
> the holy pilgrimage at Sabrimala, do comes here for Worship.*
>
> Other important festivals are Mandala Maholsavam and Makara Samkramam on
> Makaram, Navarathri, Sivarathri, Karkidaka vavu, Thiruvonal, Pathamudayam.
>
> Culture
>
> Sasthamcotta is a well historic place where the Second World Religion
> Conference was held in 1971, in which the Global Religious Celebrities
> participated.
>
> Monkeys at Sasthamkotta
>
> The surroundings of the temple are covered by hills and forests. There are
> many monkeys inhabiting the premises, which are considered holy.
>
> *It is believed that Lord Hanuman at the time flying to Lanka in search of
> Goddess Sita, halted at this place also, and since then this Temple is a
> home for Monkeys*. The monkeys are devotee-friendly, and the thousands of
> devotees visiting the temple take pleasure in feeding these monkeys with
> nuts and fruits.
>
> Vanara Sadya
>
> This association is attributed to the temple having been visited by Lord
> Hanuman on his way to Lanka in search of Goddess Sita. The monkeys here are
> honoured with offerings of a feast known as the Vanara Sadya. *The feast
> is similar to that of the Onam sadya. *
>
> Devotees who come to the temple also feed the monkeys fruits and nuts.
>
> Feeding Monkeys at Sasthamkotta Temple-addition
>
> One of the fascinating features of this temple is the abundance of monkeys
> that camp around. A few years ago, the monkeys began to face shortage of
> food and they began to snatch food from visitors to the temple and children
> going to nearby schools and colleges. *The Courts then ordered the
> Devaswom (Temple) Board to make arrangements to feed the monkeys of the
> temple adequately*. The Board, being short of funds, sought support from
> well-wishers of the temple but adequate funds were not forthcoming. Mr
> Gopala B. Pillai, founder and president of Wild Republic, and a native of
> Sasthamkotta, heard about this dilemma and *offered to set up a Trust
> Fund jointly with the Devaswom Board to ensure perpetual feeding of the
> monkeys*.
>
> This was achieved in 1996 and since then the monkeys of the temple have
> never been in want of food. *On local festival days, when people feast at
> home, the Trust arranges a similar feast for the monkeys of the temple
> also.*
>
> My note- In an earlier posting Mr Rajaram had stated, in his response
> that this statement is NOT TRUE about Lord Hanuman’s halt. On reading
> this also he may repeat the same, without any proof. I can only answer- These
> are legends. *No evidence to show in Kaliyuga for an incidence happened
> in Thretha yuga. *
>
> Temple Elephant -Sasthamcotta Neelakandan
>
> Sasthamcotta Neelakandan is the elephant at Sasthamcotta Temple .
> Neelakandan is the vital part of Sasthamcotta temple. He carries the deity
> of the Lord Dharmasastha during annual festival processions and ceremonial
> circumambulations in the temple. Nelakandan is donated by Sri. Ajith Kumar,
> who is a well known business man in the UAE, as his offering.
>
> Temple timings
>
> All days: 05:00 AM - 11:30 AM 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
>
> How to Reach the temple
>
> By Road-Kollam Bus Stand, about 29.2 km
>
> By Rail-Kollam Railway Station, about 28.9 km
>
> By Air-Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 83 km
>
> Administration
>
> The temple is under the administration of Travancore Devaswam board.
> Contact- Dewasom Officer-+91 97470 90439
>
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