Kerala is famous for its countless temples and Sabarimala is undeniably one of the best known pilgrimage centers in Kerala. It is one of the richest temples in South India that draws millions of ardent Lord Ayyappa devotees every year.
Perched atop the Sahyadri Mountains in the breathtakingly beautiful Western Ghats, Sabarimala Temple is the most prominent of all the Sastha Temples. According to the legend, the saint “Parasurama,” who created Kerala by throwing his axe into the sea erected the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala for his personal worship.
The pilgrimage season starts at the month of November and culminates in January, during which innumerable devotees from India and abroad throng this temple to offer their respects. It is one of the few temples in Kerala that permits the entry of non Hindus as well. Mandalapooja (Nov.17th) and Makaravilakku (Jan.14th) are the two main events of the pilgrimage season. The temple remains closed for the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during the harvest festival of Vishu, which falls in April.
Pilgrimage to Sabarimala has some unique customs and strict codes of conduct for those who wish to visit this hill shrine. Pilgrims should observe 41 days’ of austerities by keeping off from liquor, non vegetarian food and physical pleasures before visiting the temple for Mandalapooja. . The frenzied ‘petta thullal’ marks the final phase of the Sabarimala pilgrim season.
Normally pilgrims form small groups led by a seasoned pilgrim who might have visited the temple for 14 or more consecutive years and each pilgrim carry a bundle containing traditional offerings to the deity. The temple is accessible only to males of all age groups and women who have either reached menopause or small girls who have not attained puberty.
The shortest route by road is via Chalakkayam, by which you can reach the banks of river Pamba from where a jungle trek of 4-5 kms takes the pilgrims to the temple. The otherwise sleepy town has witnessed an unprecedented rush of pilgrims who are on their way to the Sannidhanam to participate in the Makaravilakku festival.
