Andoor Kandan Sree Dharma Sastha Temple has its place in the most revered Sastha Temples in South Kerala. Lord Kandan Sree Dharma Sastha is the main deity worshipped in the temple. The idol is similar to the one in Sabarimala. It is one of the rarest temples in Kerala where God Sastha is facing towards the west. The temple traces its history and origin to the Tholadichan Temple, located 750 feet east of the temple. Sub Deities or Upa Devas worshipped in the temple are Lord Ganapathy, Durga Bhagavathy, Easwara Kala Bhoothathan, Nagaraja & Nagayakshi and an Elephant at the entrance.
The mythological legend behind the temple states that years ago, travellers using the path in tholady used to cut the branches of the trees and beat the sticks to contuse their skin. They used to do it near the idol of God Ayyappa for their well beings and a safe journey, this is how the place got the name Tholady. A small temple was then constructed in that particular location years ago and has been preserved and treated as the moola Kshethram since then.
Special Rituals and offerings in the Andoor Kandan Sree Dharma Sastha Temple are:
Villadichan Pattu: Performed for 60 days, the festival commences from the beginning of Mandalakalam, and ends on Makaravilakku Mahotsavam. On the last day, it ends with a Vazhka song, the event is known as Vazhka Paadi Kudiyiruthal.
Niranjana Archana: Is performed on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Makaravilakku Mahotsavam is celebrated annually on 14 January. It is believed that on this day God Ayyappa defeated Mahishasura and merged with Dharma Sastha Murthy at Sabarimala. During Makara Sankrama Sandhya Dakshinayana Punyakalam ends and Utharayana Punyakalam starts.