Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple, located in the forested village of Kulathupuzha in Kollam district, is a sacred hill shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in his child form. Situated on the banks of the Kulathupuzha River, the temple is known for its serene atmosphere, natural beauty, and religious significance in the traditions of Kerala.
Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple is one of the most revered among the five important Ayyappa temples in Kerala. Here, Lord Ayyappa is worshipped as **Bala Sastha**, or the child form of the deity. According to legend, this is the birthplace of Lord Ayyappa and the temple holds special spiritual value for devotees, especially during the Vishu festival.
Surrounded by dense forest and situated along the banks of a pristine river, the temple offers a peaceful and spiritually uplifting experience. Unlike the grown-up Ayyappa at Sabarimala, the deity here receives offerings like butter, jaggery, and rice flour, which are traditionally offered to children.
The temple’s peaceful riverside setting, combined with the lush greenery of the surrounding forest, offers devotees a spiritually enriching experience. Pilgrims often come here seeking blessings for good health, prosperity, and the well-being of children, as Lord Ayyappa is worshipped in his child form. The temple is also a stopover for those undertaking the Sabarimala pilgrimage from southern Kerala and Tamil Nadu regions.