Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple – Famous Pilgrimage in Kerala
The Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple or Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is a globally-renowned pilgrimage destination where people from all walks of life visit to seek blessings from Lord Ayyappan. Regarded as the world's largest annual pilgrimage center, it attracts an estimated 17 to 30 million devotees each year.
Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple - Kerala
Perched at an elevation of 914 meters amid the lush Western Ghats, this sacred site is nestled on a hill in the village of Ranni-Perunad, within the Ranni Taluk of the Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, India. The divine temple is surrounded by eighteen hills within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, offering a serene retreat for seekers and devotees.
Sabarimala Temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappan, who according to beliefs is the son of Lord Shiva and the mythical Mohini, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple welcomes people of all castes and creeds, with the exception of women in the menstrual age between 10 and 50. This is because Lord Ayyappa is a celibate deity.
The journey to this divine abode of Ayyappa is a spiritual adventure, challenging devotees with a 4-kilometer trek from Pamba to the temple grounds, fostering a bond of dedication and humility. Accessible only on foot, this path symbolizes devotion. Pilgrims must adhere to a 41-day fasting or Vratham before embarking on this sacred pilgrimage, adding a layer of spiritual preparation to the profound experience. The pilgrimage to Sabarimala involves a unique tradition of offering prayers at the mosque of Vavar, a Muslim devotee of Ayyappan. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the significant festivals celebrated at this revered temple.
Entry/Darshan Time
During pilgrim season.
3 AM to 1 PM
3 PM to 11 PM
Specialty
Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple holds the distinction of being the world's largest annual pilgrimage site, attracting around 50 million devotees each year.
According to legend, Sabarimala is the site where Lord Ayyappa meditated after defeating the formidable demoness named Mahishi.
The Sabarimala Temple is enveloped by 18 hills. Pilgrims ascend 18 sacred steps, known as "Pathinettam Padi," to reach the temple.
The Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple restricts the entry of women in the menstrual age range (between 10 and 50) as Ayyappa is a Bramhachari (celibate).
Devotees planning to visit the Sabarimala Temple must adhere to a 41-day fasting or Vratham. The pilgrimage begins by wearing a special garland made of Rudraksha or Tulasi beads.
Neyyabhishekam is a notable ritual at Sabarimala Temple, where pilgrims pour sacred ghee on the idol of Lord Ayyappa using the ghee brought in their Irumudiketu.
The main prasadam at Sabarimala Temple are Aravana payasam and Unniyappam.
Harivarasanam is recited every night before closing the doors of Sabarimala Temple.
Dress Code
Sabarimala devotees don blue, black, or saffron attire and carry an Irumudi-Kettu, a bag holding essentials like a coconut filled with ghee, puja items, rice, and folded banana on their heads. Expressing devotion, they chant "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa," signifying Ayyappa as their saviour.
Festivals
Mandala Pooja
Makaravilakku
Vishu
Onam
Best Time to Visit
November - January
How to reach
By Air : Cochin International Airport and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport are the nearest airports to Sabarimala Temple which are at a distance of 152 Km and 152 Km respectively. From the airport, you can avail of public transport or get a cab/ taxi to reach the temple.
By Train :The nearest railway stations to Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple are Kottayam, Thiruvalla, and Chengannur, situated approximately 85 to 95 Km away.
By Road :The majority of pilgrims travelling to Sabarimala arrive by road. Pilgrims from Alleppey can take the Chanaganassery-Erumeli route or go through Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry, and Pathanamthitta, covering approximately 125 Km by road to reach Sabarimala.
Those coming from Ernakulam can follow the Vaikom-Ettumanoor route to reach Kottayam, then take the Kanjirappalli-Erumeli route to reach Sabarimala. Devotees from Karnataka, arriving via Mangalore or Mysore, can reach Thrissur town in central Kerala, which is 210 Km away from Sabarimala. From there, they can take the Muvattupuzha-Kottayam road to reach the temple.
Pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu can reach Thrissur through Coimbatore or Guddalore. Those from central regions of Tamil Nadu can reach Sabarimala via Madurai or Kumali, as the temple is situated 250 Km away from Madurai.
Pilgrims from southern Tamil Nadu, like Nagercoil, can reach Sabarimala via Thiruvananthapuram-Kottarakkara-Adoor, covering approximately 250 Km from Nagercoil.
Travelers from Thiruvananthapuram can also take NH47 through Kollam, Kayamkulam, Mavelikkara, Chengannur, or Thiruvalla. Pilgrims from Chenkotta in Tamil Nadu can reach Sabarimala via Punaloor, Ranni, and Erumeli.