Sasthamcotta Monkeys (Monkeys galore in Sasthamcotta!)
Monkeys have been existing in Sasthamcotta from time immemorial.

Devotees believe that, the idol here is said to have been the swayambhu idol worshipped by Lord Rama. Lord Rama and Hanuman had stopped here during their trip to Lanka in search for Sita. A few from the monkey army which had helped Lord Rama, stayed back at Sasthamcotta to remain as guards for Lord Dharmasastha. The abundance of monkeys in the premises and the reverence they receive at the temple is proof to this theory. From then on, Sasthamcotta and monkeys have become inseparable and the Dharmasastha Temple at Sasthamcotta is always filled with monkeys.

Furthermore, the monkey clan at Sasthamcotta got divided into two categories, namely - Ambalakkurangu (Temple Monkeys) and Chanthakkurangu (Public / Market monkeys).

Temple monkeys stay in the temple premises and feed on pure vegetarian diet. They feed on the offerings by the temple devotees, staff and management. In fact, a ritual in the name of “Vaanara Sadhya”(monkey feeding) is practised on important days and during festivals, scores of monkeys are fed at the temple premises. There’s even a trust formed to take care of their feeding and welfare. They feed on rice, fruits, nuts etc. and do not go beyond the boundaries of the temple.

On the other hand, Market / Public monkeys are the ones who got separated long back from the temple clan due to poverty and hunger. Since the temple authorities could not afford to feed a large number of monkeys, many of the monkeys had no option but to leave the temple premises in search of food. They proceeded to the market and public roads, and indulged in the destruction of agricultural products. When the public got frustrated of their mischief, they retaliated by harassing the monkeys. But when the monkeys tried getting back to the temple, the temple monkeys did not allow them to enter the temple premises. It was a fight for survival in which the market monkeys got defeated miserably and had to get back to the market /public places. Reason why, Monkeys roaming around in public places is a common sight in Sasthamcotta.

"Sayippu", who was the leader of the Temple monkeys passed away during December 2009.