Sabarimala Temple is one of the most ancient and prominent Sastha temples in the country. It is located in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. It is the "Sacred Abode of Lord Ayyappa" and one of the most important Hindu pilgrim centres in the country. The holy place of worship is located high up in the Sahyadri Mountains amidst dense forests in the uneven tracts of Western Ghats. This area is inhabited by various wildlife species.
Legends of Sabarimala Temple
Surrounded by mountains and dense forest Sabarimala is believed to be the place where "Lord Ayyappa" meditated. Perhaps the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala is Sabarimala. Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples. It is believed that "Maharishi Parasurama", who retrieved Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship "Lord Ayyappa".
Customs of Sabarimala Temple
Certain customs are to be strictly observed if one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. A pilgrim attending the "Mandala Pooja" should observe austerities for 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should abstain himself from non-vegetarian food and carnal pleasures. Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader and each carry a cloth bundle called "Irumudi Kettu" containing traditional offerings. Unlike certain Hindu temples, Sabarimala temple has no restrictions of caste or creed. The temple is open to males of all age groups and to women who have either passed their fertility age and those before reaching the stage of puberty.
Festivals at Sabarimala Temple
The shrine of Sabarimala is one of the most remote shrines in southern India yet it still draws 3 to 4 million pilgrims each year. The pilgrimage begins in the month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad. The shrine gets thronged with devotees especially during the main pilgrim season from November to January. "Mandala Pooja" and "Makaravilakku" are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first 5 days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).
How to Reach Sabarimala Temple
Sabarimala temple is situated 72 km from Pathanamthitta town, 191 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 210 km from Kochi. The traditional route to Sabarimala is from Erumeli and it is about 40 km. Other routes are from Vandiperiyar, Uppupara and Chalakkayam via Plappally. These routes are famous for these scenic splendour and mythological value. The easiest route is via Chalakkayam, by which one can reach the banks of the river Pamba by vehicle. Pamba is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. From here one has to trek 4 - 5 kms to reach the temple.
