The Kanadi Chathan Kavu is the
most holy and ancient Vishnu Maya Temple in the state of Kerala providing
relief to sorrows and showering blessings and prosperity to all the devotees
irrespective of caste, creed or religion. This temple having many epics and
with rare historical importance is situated 20 km South-West of Thrissur in
Peringottukkara, a land made sacred by the foot prints of many great sages.
There is a legend that Sastha was originally Chathan, the change of name coming
through many years of usage, who was worshipped by the tribals and the
Dravidians who were the owners of this land before the arrival of the Aaryans.
Many devotees believe that just as Ayyanar became Ayyan and then Ayyappan and
Ayyappa Swami, the Lord who pronounced, protected and advised dharma became
Dharmasastha and his boyhood adventures are what we see today as the wonders
performed by Kuttichathan or Balasasthavu (The boyish form of Sasthavu).
