Ayyappankavu Village, Kottayi is situated in Palakkad District, Kerala State, India. The village is about 20 Kms from Palakkad town. There are two routes to reach Kottayi from Palakkad viz Konduthirapully-Pudur Route and Kannadi –Coyalmannam Route. The village is shaped similar to English alphabet L and has about 30 houses. Chembai and Aiyalam villages are nearby Ayyappankave village.

The temple in the village is consecrated to Lord Siva Subramania which has been founded by forefathers’ of residents of Ayyappankave about two centuries ago. The main deity of the temple is Siva Subramania and there are also sannidhi for Ganapathy, Balasubramania, Nagas & Krishna . The main deity Lord Siva Subramania is in the form of two serpents intertwined together like Arabic number “ 8” with siva lingam on the upper circle.

Timings : On normal days, the temple is open from 5.30 am to 8 am in the mornings & from 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm in the evenings for Poojas & worship. Daily Pal Abhishekam is performed to Lord Siva Subramania Swamy at 6 am. The daily worship (both morning & evening), monthly & annual festivals are carried on from the generous contribution / participation of all devotees / well wishers in & around the world. Every day Tirupugazh Bajans is performed in the mornings / evenings at the temple.

The Lord Sree Siva Subramania Swamy is known as “Varaprasadhi” and the prayers of his devotees are granted /fulfilled. We, the devotees of the Lord are the best examples of HIS memorable Grace/Blessings.

The village is named after the temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa known as Chembarakulam Ayyappankavu located down the east of the village.

Ancestral forefathers of this village belongs to Tamilnadu (Tamil Brahmins)and have migrated to this place for their lively hood. Ayyappankavu Village was proud to accommodate most of the talented and renowned teachers of Kottayi Government High School.

Legends say the village was gifted to Brahmins for carrying out ritualistic activities for the welfare the world. In turn, the villagers are expected to express their gratitude by conducting prayers namely Rudra Kramarchana and Annadhanam on Uthiram day in the month of Makaram (Malayalam calendar). Uthiram Vaarm is conducted on a turn basis(once in 4 years) by Ayilam, Chembai, Mekanamkulam & Ayyappankave Villages. Last Uthram vaaram conducted by Ayyappankave Village was in the year 2022 and next one is due in year 2026. As a mark of respect every year on Thaipoosam & Panguni Uthram day, Chembrakulam Ayyappa is worshiped with Kaavadi Ezhunnallath. Further on Annual Ratholsava day, Mudra Vadi and Vel is placed for blessings before Lord Chembrakulam Ayyappan. Finally on Annual Aarattu day, Lord Siva Subramania Swamy, Valli, Devasenamba, Vigneswarar idols are taken before Lord Ayyappa for Koodi Kaazhcha and blessings. During the festival seasons, Sathasathaya Neivedyam, Appam Neivedyam are offered as Vazhipadu to Lord Ayyappa.

Thus, the Brahmins settled in Ayyappankavu Village started living with carrying religious activities to the satisfaction of the Lord AYYAPPA & SUBRAMANIA. They were believed to be staunch followers of not only Lord Subramania but also Lord Ayyappa.

During the course, one of the villagers, Shri Hariharan Pattar (Iyer) by name, had a dream. In his dream he was told by Lord Subramania, that there was an idol of the Lord is hidden beneath a snake putru (snake pit )beside the eastern bank of the tank adjacent to the Ayyappan temple and just in front of Siva Temple.

As per the guidance given by the Lord Himself, devotes went in search of the idol and there they found three idols lying; one in the form of Lingam, one Ganapathy and the other one in the form of two serpents intertwined with each other with a Siva Lingam in the middle sculpted on a sacred stone.

The Idol in the form of Lingam was taken to Ayilam village and installed there as AKILESWARAN and worshipped by the people. The idols of Ganapathy and the other one sculpted with serpents twined with were brought to Ayyappankavu Village. The stone sculpted with serpents inter twined with Siva Lingam in the middle was named and dedicated to Lord Sivasubramania. Both the idols were installed in the middle of the Ayyappankavu village having Lord Sivasubramania as presiding deity under a thatched roof and people started worshipping with pious and devotion. And, the entire villagers became ardent devotees of Lord Sivasubramania over a period of time.

As a gesture and thanks giving on Thaipoosam and Panguni Uthram day “ Milk and banana” is poured into the PUTRU snake pit from where idols were discovered.

Sree Siva Subramania Swamy in Ayyappankave village ,Kottayi is unique in the sense, here Moolavar (presiding deity ) Sree Siva Subramania Swamy is not in his standing posture instead Two Serpents intertwined together like Arabic letter 8 with Siva Lingam on Upper circle. Legends say that this has been done as prayachitham since his father Lord Siva had touched Lord Muruga’s feet who was his Guru while receiving pranava manthram “OM”. At that time the serpent in Siva’s neck has touched Subramanya Swamy’s feet .This is the reason the presiding deity is named as SREE SIVA SUBRAMANIA SWAMY .

As per numerology predictions , presiding deity Sri. Siva Subramania Swamy is similar to Arabic letter “8” which is rare prathishta and would excel with fame and prosperity .

It is a wonder to observe that geographically too, the temple dedicated to Lord Sivasubramania is elevated from all sides by nature.

During the course of time, Shri A.H. Krishna Iyer of the village was serving as Station Master at Tirupur. Mr. P.D. Asher, a renowned industrialist of the town fell sick and could not be cured medically. Mr.PD.Asher conveyed his concern to Shri Krishna Iyer, a devotee of Lord Sivasubramania and a good friend .Shri Krishna Iyer with concern touched Mr.PD.Asher with his Mudra Vadi (dedicated to Lord) . TO EVERYONE’S SURPRISE Mr.PD.Asher was fully cured next morning. With the blessings of Lord Siva Subramania Swamy Mr.PD.Asher also blessed with a son .Sri.Ashwin C Asher, Managing Trustee proudly state that MUDRA VADI is placed his pooja room and worships are done every day with out any break.

Immediately after this instance, Shri P.D.Asher turned as a staunch believer and follower of Lord Sivasubramania at Ayyappankavu Village. He took part in all the activities of the temple contributing his mite for the development of the temple. Idols of Ganapathy, Nagaraja, Balasubramania and Gopalakrishna were installed in the temple as per his desire and consecrated. His grandson Shri Ashwin P Asher continues to express the same pious and devotion to Lord Sivasubramania.

During the same time, Shri A.V. Rama Iyer, another ardent devotee of Lord Sivasubramania joined hands with Shri A.H. Krishna Iyer in the developmental activities of the temple. They visited village after village, wherever they found congregation of people; perform Panaka Pooja highlighting the Concern of the Lord Sivasubramania towards His Devotees. They used to receive donations from the public during the Panaka Poojas and the moneys so collected were utilized for the development of the temple.

The thatched shed was replaced with tiled roof, additional constructions such as Vaathil Maadam were built. Kodi Maram was erect and copper covering too was done. Shri A.K. Ramakrishna Iyer S/o Shri A.H. Krishna Iyer dug a well within the temple premises during his period; water from the deep well only is used for Abhisehekam and Neivedhyam to the Lord. A Kalyana Mandapam with tiled roof was built in front of the temple to facilitate performing the Celestial Wedding of Lord Muruga with His consorts Valli and Devasena during Uthsavam during which people (local as well as outstation) used to throng the temple.

During the course of last century the structures of the temple were very much improved. In this improvement activities, the late A.H. Krishna Iyer, his most devoted disciple Late A.V. Rama Iyer, a pious and devoted P.D. Asher (of Asher Textiles, Tiruppur) and other members of the village equally have taken part. It may not be out of place if we mention here the leading role and services rendered by Late A.K. Ramakrishna Iyer and his younger brother Late A.K. Swaminatha Iyer.

Of course, many vicissitudes were crossed during this long number of years & this private temple Trust was formed & registered in March-1978. The expenses are met by the generous donations of the children / friends / relations of those residents at Ayyappankave who are now living around the world well with the blessings / grace of Lord Siva Subramania. In this context we would like to mention the dedicated services of Sri. C.R. Venkitarama Iyer, Govindarajapuram Village, Palakkad for the various activities / services to the temple.

We need to express our sincere gratitude for the guidance & services rendered by late Dr. A.V. Harihara Iyer, former secretary , Late A.S. Adi Venkitadri, former treasurer & Late AR.VISWANATHAN (VISWAPPAN).

The presiding deity is so installed that He can be viewed even from a distance of about 200 meters i.e. right from the stepping stones above the western side of the tank adjacent to Ayyappan temple.

All the people, who hail from Ayyappankavu Village, believers and followers of Lord Sivasubramania at this tiny village, spread across length and breadth of the World lead a meaningful, comfortable, and happy life.

A thanks giving is a daily routine at this temple as all the pleas of the devotees such as requesting marriage, Santhana Prapthi, health and dosha parikarams are mercifully granted by Him. Rahu ,Kethu Dosha pariharam can also be done at our temple.