The Sasthamkotta Sree Dharmasastha temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappan. It is one of five ancient Sastha temples located in Kerala. The scenic setting of the temple, located by the banks of the Sasthamkotta Lake, Kerala's largest freshwater lake, makes it a beautiful sight. Legend has it that Lord Rama worshipped the swayambhu idol here while en route on his journey to find Sita who was abducted by Ravana.
This association is attributed to the temple having been visited by Lord Hanuman on his way to Lanka in search of Goddess Sita. The monkeys here are honoured with offerings of a feast known as the Vanara Sadya. The feast is similar to that of the Onam sadya. Devotees who come to the temple also feed the monkeys fruits and nuts. The temple hosts a 10-day annual festival, showcasing a variety of folk art forms and majestic kettukazhcha or floats during the month of Kumbham, from mid-February to mid-March.
