Chekkadi Dharma Shasta

In the realm of divine manifestations, few deities hold a place as cherished and revered as Lord Ayyappan, the beloved deity of the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Yet, the rich tapestry of Hindu Puranas reveals a profound secret: Ayyappan is, in essence, the earthly incarnation of Dharma Shasta. Just as Lord Vishnu descends as Rama or Krishna, Dharma Shasta assumes the earthly form of Lord Ayyappan, known as the "Bachelor God."

In contemporary times, shrines dedicated to Lord Ayyappan have sprouted across the land, drawing devotees with unwavering faith. However, in the  Tirunelveli region, lies many ancient temples dedicated to the original Dharma Shasta, adorned by his divine consorts. This article unveils the sacred aura of one such temples of Shasta.

Once a nondescript and overlooked alley, Chekkadi, or mudukkadi, remained cloaked in obscurity until the 1990s. This narrow lane, nestled between Amman Sannadhi Street and Kallathi Street in Tirunelveli Town, conceals an ancient temple that harks back to the Nayaka period. At its heart stands a majestic figure of Dharma Shasta, measuring an imposing 5.5 feet in height. This divine manifestation of Lord Dharma Shasta sits gracefully alongside his two consorts, Poorna and Pushkala.

What sets this icon apart is its unique portrayal. While Lord Dharma Shasta typically raises his left leg and holds his chendu, a bouquet of flowers, in his right hand, this representation defies convention. Here, he raises his right leg and cradles his chendu in his left arm—a distinctive departure from the norm. This sitting posture is called utkuṭitāsana. His consorts mirror his posture, with one leg elegantly folded and the other gracefully hanging down, cradling their own fragrant flowers.

A significant figure in this divine tableau is the sage Agastya, who is believed to have received the divine darshan of Lord Dharma Shasta at this very site. 

Over the ages, the once-prominent Chekkadi Temple slowly lost its luster, fading into neglect. In the 1980s and 1990s, it would open its doors to devotees only once a year, during the annual festival. However, the winds of transformation eventually swept through these hallowed grounds. In more recent times, the temple has witnessed a renaissance, marked by extensive renovations and the construction of a modern-day compound wall.

Today, the Chekkadi Temple is a testament to daily devotion, with regular poojas conducted to honor Lord Dharma Shasta and his divine consorts. The temple, once shrouded in anonymity, now stands as a place of spiritual solace, welcoming pilgrims and seekers from all walks of life.

Happy travelling.