ACHANKOVIL SRI DHARMASASTHA TEMPLE Achankovil is an important pilgrim centre in Kollam district located 42kms from Punalur. Believed to be consecrated by Lord Parasurama, the Dharmasastha temple here, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa attracts pilgrims from Kerala and Tamilnadu through out the year specially during the Sabarimala season. This ancient temple is located amidst dense forests of Kandamala, where the God is said to have given 'Darshan' to a worshipper who entered into a long term penance. Here the idol of the main deity, Ayyappa is called Rudraksha Shila. The two important festivals of this temple are Mandala Pooja (December-January) and The festival held at 'Ravathi' (January-February).