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
