Sasthamkotta Temple, Kollam

Sasthamkotta, famous for its Sri Dharmasastha Temple is located in Kollam district in the State of Kerala, India. The temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is crowded with devotees during the Sabarimala pilgrim season. The temple is an abode to a tribe of docile monkeys and the devotees feed them during their visit.

As per legend, when Lord Hanuman, the monkey god went in search of Sita Devi, he halted at this place and since then it became the abode of monkeys. The Sasthamkotta Temple was built by a prince of the Pandalam royal family.

The ten-day annual festival is the main attraction of this temple. Various folk art forms along with Kettukazcha, a ritual procession are also held at this temple.