About Thiruvullakkavu temple
Thiruvullakkavu Sree Dharma Sastha Temple (also spelt Thiruvullakavu or Thirullakkavu) stands at Perumbilliseri, near Cherpu in Thrissur district, Kerala. The presiding deity is Lord Dharma Sastha, shown in a standing posture with a bow and arrow. Devotees describe the deity as very powerful and as the divine protector of the Peruvanam village settlement.
Local accounts say the shrine began as a sacred spot in a dense forest centuries ago. The temple is described as one of the important ancient Sastha temples of Kerala, and it is managed independently rather than by a Devaswom Board, according to visitors.
What the name means
The name is read as Thiru (sacred) + Ulla (inner) + Kavu (sacred grove): the sacred inner grove. Sastha is best known in Kerala as the mountain deity of Sabarimala. Here he is worshipped in the quiet setting of a village kavu, which makes this temple a gentle counterpart to the Sabarimala pilgrimage.
Sub-deities and shrines
Lord Ganapathi is the sub-deity. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped at the Vidyarambha mandapam, facing the Ganapathi shrine, and the temple is also known by the name Vidya Sastha because of its link with learning.
Festivals and poorams
Sastha of Thiruvullakkavu takes part in both the Peruvanam Pooram and the Arattupuzha Pooram, two of the best-known temple festivals of the Thrissur region.
Vidyarambham: first letters at Thiruvullakkavu
The temple is famous across Thrissur district for Vidyarambham, also called Ezhuthiniruthu, in which a child writes Hari Sri for the first time. Many temples hold this only on Vijayadashami during Navaratri. Visitors consistently report that Thiruvullakkavu performs it every day of the year, so families can choose a convenient date. Thousands of children begin here each year.
Tips for parents
Navaratri and other auspicious days are crowded, and some visitors report waits of 30–60 minutes or more. A weekday morning is usually calmer.
Reviewers mention a Vidyarambham charge of about ₹300 plus small additional offerings of ₹20–₹50. Fees can change, so check at the temple counter.
Other offerings
What visitors say
Reviews on Google describe a clean, quiet and well-kept temple, a friendly staff and priests, and a calm atmosphere. Many visitors rest for a while on the front floor after darshan. A few paraphrased experiences:
A family returning from Qatar for a holiday took their four-year-old twins here for Vidyarambham and found it a joyful experience.Visitor review, paraphrased
The temple is peaceful, even on a public holiday it felt unhurried, and the surroundings stay free of noise.Visitor review, paraphrased
Parking is ample and the temple is close to the highway, which makes it easy with children and elders.Visitor review, paraphrased
ദിവസവും വിദ്യാരംഭം നടത്തുന്ന പ്രശസ്ത ക്ഷേത്രമാണെന്ന് അറിഞ്ഞാണ് ഞങ്ങൾ സന്ദർശിച്ചത്. കുട്ടികൾ “ഹരിശ്രീ” എഴുതി വിദ്യാരംഭം നടത്തി.സന്ദർശകരുടെ അഭിപ്രായം
How to reach Thiruvullakkavu temple
The temple is at Thiruvullakkavu, Perumbilliseri, Cherpu, Thrissur, Kerala 680561. It is about 25 minutes by road from Thrissur city on the way to Irinjalakuda, and very close to the Oorakam Ammathiruvadi temple. Google Plus Code: C6W8+38 Thrissur.
- By road: Take the Thrissur–Irinjalakuda route towards Cherpu and follow signs for Thiruvullakkavu.
- By train: Thrissur railway station is the nearest major station; continue by taxi or bus.
- By air: Cochin International Airport (Nedumbassery) is the nearest airport.
- Parking: Ample parking is available near the temple.
Location map
Frequently asked questions
Is Vidyarambham performed every day at Thiruvullakkavu temple?
Yes. Devotees report that Vidyarambham (writing the first letters, Hari Sri) is performed on all days of the year, not only during Navaratri.
What are the darshan timings?
Monday to Friday 5:00–9:30 am and 6:00–8:00 pm; Saturday 5:00–11:00 am and 6:00–8:00 pm; Sunday 5:00–11:00 am and 5:00–8:00 pm. Timings may change on festival days, so confirm locally.
Where is the temple located?
At Perumbilliseri near Cherpu in Thrissur district, Kerala (PIN 680561), about 25 minutes by road from Thrissur city on the way to Irinjalakuda.
Who is the main deity?
Lord Dharma Sastha (Ayyappan), in a standing posture holding a bow and arrow, revered here as the village protector and as Vidya Sastha.
Is there parking?
Yes. Visitors report ample parking space near the temple, even on busy days.
Do I need a reservation?
Most visitors say no booking was needed. A few recommend it for Vidyarambham on crowded days, so call the temple office ahead if you are visiting on Navaratri or a public holiday.