Sree Dharmasastha Temple is situated at Sasthamcotta in Kollam. The holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, and scenic hills and forests envelop the temple surroundings. Legends state that that Lord Hanuman while searching for Goddess Sita, halted here, and since then monkeys are found here in abundance.
Dedicated to both Lord Ganesha and Lord Ayyappa, and with the concept of Dharma Sastha, the Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple was built by a prince of Pandalam Royal family. The prime deity here is said to have the same powers as Lord Ayyappa. Folklore states that the idol consecrated at Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is swayambhu and was worshipped by Lord Rama during his trip visit to Sri Lanka while searching Sita.
Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is famous for being home to monkeys. The monkeys are believed to be followers of the prime deity, Dharmasastha.
Utsavam: This is the annual festival of Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and lasts for ten days. The celebrations start with flag hoisting. It is celebrated in the month of February-March. On the tenth day ‘Kettukazhcha’ – a procession of various effigies of bullocks, horses, decorated chariots, etc. is carried out. Several elephants with nettipattam pay reverence to the prime deity, which is placed at the top of a caparisoned elephant at the temple courtyard.
Shiva Prathishta Vaarshikom: On the holy function idol of Lord Shiva (Shiva Prathishta) was conducted on Atham inMay-June. Since then it is celebrated annually as Shiva Prathishta Vaarshikom.
Other Festivals celebrated in Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple are Mandala Mahotsav, Thiruvonam, Navaratri, Makara Sankrama pooja, Pathamudayam, Karkidaka Vavu, Sivaratri, and Painkuni Utram.