Thakazhy Sree Dharma Sastha Temple

Thakazhy Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is at Thakazhy in Kerala's Alappuzha district, six kilometres from Ambalapuzha. Its only deity is Shasthavu (Lord Ayyappan), facing east, with no subsidiary shrines. Legend says Parasurama first installed the idol on a hill called Othera, from which a flood carried it down to a field. An Odiyan, a local magician, found it and gave it to Vilwamangalam Swami, who passed it to the sage Udhayarkkan; the sage installed it, and the King of Chembakassery built the temple. Five poojas are offered according to the Manayathattu thantric rites.

The temple is known for valiyenna, a medicinal oil made from ingredients gathered on Othar hill and believed to cure ailments of manhood. The main festival, in Kumbham, lasts eight days and closes with Arattu. Kalamezhuthupattu runs for 41 days, and Kalabhabhishekam for 11 days from the first of Dhanu.