Agasthiar Swamy Temple is located in Pazhayakadalane - Saligothra Theruv, Balaramapuram, in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Dedicated to Sage Agastya (Agasthiyar) and Lopamudra, the temple is a cultural and spiritual hub for the Saliyar community, renowned for their craftsmanship in weaving the iconic Balaramapuram Kasavu sarees. The temple's architecture is a fine example of the Dravidian style, featuring a striking gopuram adorned with vibrant sculptures. The Chuttambalam (Circumambulatory structure) showcases intricate carvings of gods and goddesses, further enhancing its aesthetic and religious appeal. A key event in the temple's calendar is the annual festival, during which the Utsava murtis (festival idols) are carried in a grand procession,
more highlighting its cultural and devotional significance within the local community. Sage Agastya is a highly revered figure in Hinduism and is prominently mentioned in ancient texts like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and various Puranas. Known as one of the Saptarishis (seven great sages) in Vedic texts, he holds an esteemed position across different traditions, including Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism. Agastya played a pioneering role in the development of Tamil spirituality, medicine, and the grammar of the Tamil language through his work, Agattiyam. He is also credited with advancing Tamraparniyan medicine and spiritual practices in ancient South India and Sri Lanka. Beyond the Indian subcontinent, Agastya's influence extended to Southeast Asia, where he is celebrated in texts like the Agastyaparva and depicted in ancient temple sculptures, including those in Java, Indonesia. These contributions underscore his importance as a spiritual and cultural luminary across regions and traditions.