The Achankovil Aru is a 128 km long river flowing west through Kollam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta districts. It is a part of Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve because the catchment area for this river is also referred to as Achenkovil Reserve Forest which is an amazing scoop of landscape wonders. The Achenkovil village, located on the upper shore of the river, is an eminent pilgrimage site that is closely connected with the legend of Swami Ayyappa of Sabarimala. There lies the famous Achankovil Shastha Temple, or the Dharmasastha Temple, one of the five important temples dedicated to the legend of Swami Ayyappa in Kerala. The idol here is believed to have been installed by Parashurama- an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The uniqueness of this temple lies in the fact that the left hand of the idol here always holds medicinal sandalwood paste and theertha- the combination of which is believed to cure any poisonous snake bites. The temple complex boasts other deities as well- each related to the legend Ayyappa.
Even though this temple is in Kerala, the festivals and rituals held here are synonymous with Tamil cultures and rituals. Also, some annual festivals and other traditions adhere to the old Buddhist rituals of “kettu kazhcha”. People flock to this place as part of the famous Sabarimala pilgrimage. The journey to this place offers encounters with the splendid Manalar & Kumbuvurutty Waterfalls on the way. Achenkovil is renowned for its geologically important Shear Zone also. This place is a significant zone in Geology as it is believed that this shear zone is a critical region that bears traces of the land connection of India with Madagascar when both these were parts of Gondwanaland. Another major attraction here- the Karingalichal wetlands near Edappon- famous for its flora and fauna makes Achencoil a destination with rich biodiversity.
History
The river valley over here is believed to have contained Buddhist settlements in the Middle Ages. In the form of Chamakkavu Sharngakavu Devi Temple near Venmony, a Buddhist place of worship, which eventually got transformed into a Vishnu temple and then into a Devi temple is maintained here to underscore the history. The Karumadikkuttan statue and Buddhist remnants found nearby further add credibility to these facts.
Getting there :
Nearest railway station: Mavelikkara, about 29km
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, around 102km
