Sabarimala

Sabarimala is a pilgrim centre in Kerala in the western Ghat mountain ranges of India. Lord Ayyappa Temple is situated at Sabarimala (09.29 North 77.06 East) is in the midst of 18 hills. The area is in the Sahya hilly regions of Kerala bordering Tamilnadu. The temple is situated on a hilltop at an elevation of 1260 Metres/4135 ft above mean sea level and is surrounded by mountains and dense forest. Temples existed in each of the hills surrounding Sabarimala. While functional (and intact temples) exist at many places in surrounding areas like Nilackal, Kalaketi, and Karimala, remnants of old temples are visible in the remaining hills.

The pilgrimage to Sabarimala is a singular example of a pilgrimage where pilgrims, without consideration of caste, creed, position or social status, go with one mind and one `mantra' dreaming constantly of the darshan of the presiding deity at the Holy Sannidhanam

The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Lord Ayyapa meditated soon after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi. This temple is unique in many respects. One is that the temple is open to all irrespective of caste, creed or religion. There is a place near the temple (east to Sannidhanam) dedicated to the Vavar called "Vavarunada". This is an epitome of religious harmony. Another fact is that it is not open throughout the year. It is open for worship, only during the days of Mandalapooja, (November 15 to December 26) Makaravilakku (January 15) and Vishu (April 14). The pilgrims have to follow the journey to the temple is to be taken through difficult terrain in the forest as the vehicles can go only up to Pampa.

How to reach

From the international airport of Thiruvananthapuram (erstwhile Trivandrum), Sabarimala is located at 010 degrees/115 km. Similarly, from the international airport at Kochi (erstwhile Cochin) it is located at 118 degrees/106 km.

During respective seasons one can approach the shrine using various modes of transportation via either Chalakayam town or more intensively through the mountain trails commencing from Erumeli Township and climbing over the Karimala Mountains in bare foot (close to 50 km).

Nearest railway stations to Sabarimala are Kottayam and Chengannur.

Three important routes to Sabarimala are :

1.Kottayam to Pamba (via) Erumeli and from Pampa to Sabarimala (by foot) – 136 km Kottayam to Pamba (via) Manimala and there to Sabarimala by foot – 116 km

2.Erumeli to Sabarimala (via) Kalaketty, Azhutha, Inchippara, Karimala, Pampa – 45 km. From Pampa to Sabarimala by foot.

3.Vandiperiyar to Mount Estate by vehicle and there by walking to Sabarimala

4.Climb down to Sabarimala from Vandiperiyar to Kozhikkanam – 15 km. Kozhikkanam to Uppupura -10 km. Uppupura to Sabarimala – 3.5 km. (Upto Uppupura vehicles can be used for the travel.)

Vehicular traffic cannot go beyond Pampa, situated on the Pampa river valley and the last five kilometers to the shrine can be best reached by trekking. However, porter carried chairs are also available for aged and handicapped pilgrims.

When to go

The pilgrimages to Sabarimala begin in November and last up to January. This is when the temple is inundated with devotees from all across India, and everything- from accommodation to flowers and coconuts- is at a premium.

Throughout the year, monthly poojas are held at the temple, usually during the first week of each month. The shrine is open only for the first five days of every month and for the pilgrimage season, between mid-November and mid-January.

Millions of Ayyappa disciples visit the famous temple of Lord Ayyappa every year from all around India. The main pilgrimage season is from November to January. The temple is opened for brief periods at the commencement of each Malayalam month and during certain important Malayali festivals. Tourists and foreigners, as well as women between the ages of 10 and 50 (approximately age at puberty and menopause), are not officially allowed entry to the main temple.

Women are not allowed to visit the Lord Ayyappa Shrine. A number of feminist organizations have tried to persuade the Travancore Devaswom Board to revoke this age-old tradition, but to no avail. Many reasons are cited by the Board in support of the decree; these include the 41-day penance imposed on pilgrims, the arduous trek up to the shrine, and the fact that the Ayyappan worshipped at Sabarimala is supposed to be a celibate hermit. Be as it may, women- and girls- between the ages of 10 and 50 cannot even enter the forest around Sabarimala.