The holy shrine is the family temple of the Pandalam Royal Family. Valiyakoikkal Temple is located at Pandalam in Pathanamthitta. The main deity worshipped in the temple is Lord Ayyappan. Procession of the Sacred Ornaments - Thiruvabharanam, towards Sabarimala, commences from the Valiyalukkal temple each year before the Makaravilakku festival. Millions of devotees visit the temple to participate in Makaravilakku festive season.
It is believed that Lord Ayyappa instructed the Pandalam king to build a mosque for Vavur at Erumeli. The Vavur deity is as old as the original deity of Ayyappa. Records reveal that the shrine was renovated in 1905. A Muslim priest carries the poojas in Valiyakoikkal Temple. A carved stone slab is worshipped as the idol.
Here the devotees of Lord Ayyappa gather to worship Thiruvabharanam, his sacred jewellery.
Thiruvabharana Ghoshayathra is an annual ceremonial procession of the Thiruvabharanam (Sacred Jewellery of Lord Ayappa) towards Sabarimala shrine. The parade starts from the Valiyalukkal temple. It is observed for three days before the Makaravilakku festival.