Kulathupuzha is a small village in the Kollam district, connecting Kollam and Shenkottai. Dense forests and the Kulathupuzha River thriving with numerous fish species make add to the beauty of the Sastha temple here, one of the most popular destinations among Ayyappa devotees. The temple is of utmost religious importance. It is dedicated to Bala Sastha, or Ayyappan as a boy, and in his mature avatar. It is believed that Lord Parashurama installed the idol here after the temple was built by the Raja of Pandalam. But the idol was discovered by a Brahmin many years later.
The temple's layout is a superb illustration of conventional Kerala architecture. It is customary to feed the fish in the pond near the temple puffed peanuts or rice as an offering. Fishing is prohibited here as the fish in the pond are said to be dear to the deity. The temple is one among the 108 Sastha shrines in Kerala. Throughout Vishnu Mahotsavam, the temple also organises a yearly procession. Thousands of followers flock to the village to participate in this auspicious festival.
