Elamgulam Sree Dharma Shastha Temple

Elamgulam Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is a Hindu temple in India, located in the state of Kerala. It is situated on Main Eastern Highway (SH-8) with its landmark temple ground in the village of Elamgulam in Kottayam district. The temple's annual festival features the captivating Gajamela (Elephant congregation) and Aanayoottu (Elephant feeding) ceremonies with around 15 elephants.

Elamgulam Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
ഇളങ്ങുളം ശ്രീധർമ്മശാസ്താ ക്ഷേത്രം
Temple from its ground, where Gajamela is conducted
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	Kottayam District
Deity	Sree Dharma Sasthavu
Festivals	Gajamela
Location
Location	Elamgulam
State	Kerala
Country	India
Location within Kerala
Geographic coordinates	09°35′39.2″N 76°43′48.3″E
Architecture
Type	Architecture of Kerala

Gajamela at the temple

History

The worship of Sastha forms part of the ancient history of South India.The deity here is believed to be 800 years old. The written history is available since the temple management came under the Edapally royal family. Post-monarchy, the temple was managed by local landlords and Nair Service Society (NSS) Karayogam until 1978 when it was transferred to a broad committee with members from various Hindu sects.

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In 2018, as part of a major renovation, the Chuttambalam, the outer structure surrounding the sanctum sanctorum(Garbhagriha) within the temple walls, was removed. After 5 years, in January 2023 the new temple entirely made of stone, wood and copper was inaugurated with Brahmakalashabhisheka. Built to sustain for ages, the temple in its new avatar itself is a milestone in the history of the village.

Temple in 2023

Architecture

Until 2018, the temple structure was made of bricked walls and clay tile roofs supported on wooden battens. During the major renovation, the walls of Chuttambalam and sub-deities were completely made of Krishnashila(Black natural stone). The roofs are covered with copper sheets and the Balikkalpura's ceiling has carvings on wood and the entablature has layers and the corners have dragon shapes spectacularly painted.

A view of the Balikkalppura from the temple courtyard

The Aanakkottil(a structure found in the courtyards of temples across Kerala) has 10 pillars with each pillar having a projected standalone Dashavatara(the 10 incarnations of lord Vishnu) sculpture beautifully mural painted. The temple compound walls are built in Aanappalla style(the vertical cross-section of the wall resembles an elephant viewed from its back) which is an ancient style found in temples.

Aanakkottil of the temple

Gajamela

On the last day of the temple festival, Gajamela is usually conducted in the East Panthal(pavilion) of the temple followed by the famous Aanayoottu. Elephants are given rice balls mixed with fruits and nuts.

See also

Elamgulam

Temples of Kerala

External links

• Official Facebook page of temple

• A video of Gajamela conducted in 2007