Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple

Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple stands beside the Kulathupuzha River, which feeds the Kallada, in Punalur taluk, Kollam district, about 64 km from Kollam. It ranks among Kerala's five major Sastha temples, along with Aryankavu, Achankovil, Sabarimala and Kanthamala, and its idol, made of eight pieces of stone, is believed to be Parashurama's installation. The temple once belonged to the king of Kottarakkara and is now run by the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Sastha is worshipped here as a child, the Kulathupuzha Balakan, both fierce and auspicious. The temple pond holds many fish regarded as Sastha's favourites and called Thirumakkal, divine children; most are Tor khudree and Hypselobarbus thomassi, both at risk of extinction. Legend says Sastha let a water maiden who desired him live in the pond as a fish. Devotees make the Meenoottu offering, feeding the fish, to cure warts, and fishing is strictly forbidden.