Sastha Temples 13
Mattil Sastha temple is located around 2 km southwest of Varandarappilly on Amballur – Varandarappilly road in Thrissur district, Kerala. The temple is one among the 108 Ayyappa temples in Kerala. The shrine was known as Malamoottil Sastha in ancient times.
The Ayyappa worshipped in the temple is Bala Swaroopam (child form). The square sanctum sanctorum (Chathura Sreekovil) faces east. The Upa Devata worshipped in the temple is Ganapathy.
The belief is that Mattil Sastha is the guardian deity of Thottippal Bhagavathy.
As per history, Mattil Sastha was the upsaana murti of Changaram Kotha Karthas. Another belief is that the deity was a Kalari Devata.
The shrine participates in the famous Arattupuzha pooram. The next day of pooram is observed as Uthram vilakku in the temple.
The shrine is the keezhedom of Areshwaram Temple.
The presiding deity in this temple is Lord ayyappa. In this temple Sasthavu is in the childhood form. Lord Vinayaka is the only sub deity in this temple. The place,where the temple situated, was a forest before. So the deity is also known as 'Malamoottil Sasthavu'. The name 'Mattil' may be formed from 'malamoottil'.
Also Lord Ayyappa in this temple is considered as the protector of 'Thottippal' Bhagavathy
Important Festivals
The deity in this temple is a parner of 'Arattupuzha Pooram' . Also the 'Uthram Vilakku' is important ,which is on the next day of 'Arattupuzha pooram'. 'Desavilakku' in the month of 'Vrischikam' is a grand celebration.
Main offerings
'Kadum Payasam' and 'Elluthiri' are the main and important offerings in this temple.