Sabarimala

 

 

 

Sabarimala is a major Hindu pilgrim centre in Pattanamthitta district of Kerala in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of India. Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples. The area is in the Sahya hilly regions of Kerala bordering Tamilnadu. The temple is situated on a hilltop at an elevation of 1260 m above sea level and is surrounded by 18 hills 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 Ayyappan. Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Ayyappan meditated soon after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi. This temple is unique in many respects.
There is a place near the temple (east to Sannidhanam) dedicated to the Vavar (colloquial version of Babar), a Muslim who was the associate of Ayyappan, called "Vavarunada". This is an epitome of religious harmony. The temple is open for worship only during the days of Mandalapooja (November 15 to December 26), Makaravilakku (January 15) and Vishu (April 14), and the beginning of every month in the Malayalam calendar. 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.

The beginning of the temple festival at Sabarimala is symbolised by 'Kodiyettam' or hoisting of the flag on the temple flag post by the thantri during morning hours. This is done on 'Atham' day. The festival lasts for ten days. Ultsava Bali will be conducted from 2nd day onwards. Purification rites to cleanse and sanctify the temple are carried out a day prior to the commencement of the temple festival.
Aaratu signifies the end of the temple festival. On the 10th day of the festival i.e. on the Thiruvonam day is the Aarattu. The Lord who was reposing in peace at the Manimandapam is gently awakened through prayers and chanting at Brahmamuhurtham (around 3 am) and is ceremoniously taken to the Sreekovil or Sanctum Sanctorum.

Best Season

The Sabarimala shrine is only open a few times each year : the Mandalam festival covering 41 days from November 15 to December 26; the Makaravilakku from January 1-14; Open all the five days of every Malayalam month. On Vishu, the day of the vernal equinox in April for 10 days; and during smaller festivals in May/June and August/September.The shrine, unlike many in southern India is open to persons of all religious callings, and there are no caste restrictions during the pilgrimage. However, women - unless they are younger than six or older than sixty - are not allowed to come to Sabarimala. This is explained by referring to the celibacy of Ayappa and the concern that he might be lured away from his shrine by a woman his age (if certain readers find this somewhat sexist, they are informed that there are particular goddess shrines in south India which men are forbidden to enter). It is said that during the pilgrimage periods no tigers are found along the forest trails leading to Sabarimala. This is explained as resulting from Ayappa’s power over tigers. Other holy places associated with Ayappa are Kulattupuzha, Aryankavu, Accankovil and Kantamala.
 
Location: 72 kms away from PathanamthittaRoute:Pathanamthitta - Vadasserikkavu - Pampa.How to Reach: Nearest Railway Stations: Chengannur (100 Kms), Thiruvalla (102 Kms)
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Malayattoor Kurisumudi

 

 

 The foot print of St. Thomas, in printed and visible on this rock. The marks seen on the rock, which are said to have appeared once the saint knelt on the ground. 

Malayattoor a meeting place of mountain and river shot into prominence when she was blessed by the missionary work of St. Thomas the apostle of Jesus Christ. He set foot at Kodungalloor, in A.D.52 and founded the famous seven churches. On his way to Mylapoor, he set down at Malayattoor.

A hostile reception was given and his life was in danger. According to the Ramban Paattu, he was forced to flee to the top of the mountain and had spent days in the abode of God. In deep anguish and agony St. Thomas prayed to the Lord and upon touching the rock, blood sprang forth from it. In A.D.52 he reached Malayattoor and selected the place for prayer and worship. His zeal for the Lord took him to Mylappoor and later died a martyr's death there in A.D. 72.

Later , while on hunting the local people found a divine light emanating from the hard rock and upon examining the source they found a golden cross. They later discovered the footprints of the great saint and when this extra ordinary piece of news reached the plains , people began to flock the hills of Malayattoor.
St. Thomas is believed to have landed in Kerala at Kodungallur (Cranganore) in AD 52. Oral tradition says that while travelling through Malayattor, faced with hostile natives, he fled to the hilltop where he is said to have remained in prayer and that he left his foot prints on one of the rocks. According to beliefs, during prayer, he touched a rock, upon which blood poured from it.

The chief festival is on the first Sunday after Easter. It is traditionally believed that St. Thomas used to make the Sign of the Cross on the rock, kiss it and pray at Kurisumudi. The story has it that a miraculous golden cross appeared at that particular spot.The annual festival of this church is known as 'Malayatoor Perunal' and it is celebrated in the months of March-April.

Best Season: March/April
Transport Terminals: Nearest City: Kalady (10 km)Location: 47 kms away from KochiHow to Reach: Nearest Railway Station: Angamally ( 17 kms away)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport ( 15 kms away)