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Sabarimala Temple is one of the oldest pilgrim centres in India. It is situated in the Western Ghats mountain range at an elevation of 914 meters above sea level, however, it is only 4 kilometers away by foot. The Sabarimala Temple is dedicated to the Lord of Hindu Sree Ayyappa.
From mid-November through mid-January is the pilgrimage season. The two main pilgrimage events are Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku. Except for the first five days of each Malayalam month and during Vishu (April), the Temple is closed the rest of the year.
The Sabarimala temple is located 210 km from Kochi, 191 km from Thiruvananthapuram, and 72 km from Pathanamthitta town. It is one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimage sites in the nation and is known as the “Sacred Abode of Lord Ayyappa.“
The typical route to Sabarimala is a 40-kilometre drive from Erumeli. There are more routes via Plappally from Vandiperiyar, Uppupara, and Chalakkayam. These paths are well-known for their breathtaking scenery and mythological significance.
The sacred shrine at Sabarimala is situated amidst thick trees in the rough Western Ghats. populated by a variety of animal types. During the most taxing festivals, known as “Vishu Vilakku ” in April, “Mandala Pooja” in the months of Vrischika Dhanu (Nov. – Dec.), and “Makaravilakku” in mid-January, which coincides with Sankramam, millions of pilgrims from all over the country congregate here.
Vishnu and Shiva’s child, Lord Ayyappa is revered primarily in South India and is thought to be a well-known Hindu god. He is also referred to as Ayyappa when using the name. It is said that Ayyappa, who is regarded as an image of the god Lord Vishnu, was created when the mythical Mohini and the god Lord Shiva were united.
As a result, Ayyappa is also known as “Hariharan Puthiran,” which is the name of the son of Hari (Hari, who is Vishnu, and Haran, who is Shiva).
Among all the pilgrimage locations Sabarimala temple is the most sought-after, which is dedicated and worshipped to Lord Ayyappa. Of all the five temples which are found by Lord Parasuram (Incarnation of Lord Vishnu), Sabarimala temple is one. In the world, this temple is the second biggest religious site as the first one is Mecca situated in Saudi Arabia.
The temple of great ceremonies and tradition is Sabarimala—devoted individuals worshipping Lord Ayyappa. Worshippers worship the Lord according to rigid laws and regulations while dressed all in black. This temple practices numerous ceremonies and offerings. Additionally, several tantric poojas are performed in this temple.
The Sabarimala temple, also known as Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, is devoted to Lord Ayyappa, who is thought to be the son of Shiva and Mohini, the feminine manifestation of Vishnu. The temple is located at a height of 3000 Feet on the Sabarimala mountain.
Among all the Sastha temples in Kerala, it is the most well-known and significant. Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and other Ramaa traditions all come together in Sabarimala’s traditions.
An old temple serves as Sabarimala’s shrine. At the Sabarimala temple, it is thought that the prince of the Pandalam dynasty, an avatar of Shasta, meditated and attained union with God. The Manimandapam is where the prince meditated.
One of the five Shasta temples established by Lord Parasurama, according to legend, is the Shasta temple at Sabarimala. The other four temples are the PonnambalaMedu, Aryankavu, Achankovil Shastha, and Kulathupuzha Ayyappa Temples.
The primary temple of Lord Ayyappan is situated on a platform that is roughly 40 Feet high and is regarded as one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Sabarimala. After being set on fire and vandalized in 1950, the temple was reconstructed.
Two mandapams, the “Kodimaram” or flagstaff, the “Belikalpura,” which houses the altar, and a copper-plated ceiling with golden finials are all features of the sanctum sanctorum. The one-and-a-half-foot-tall Ayyappa deity, which was originally carved out of stone, is now fashioned of Panchaloha, a combination of five metals.
Southwest of the Sannidhanam is the shrine dedicated to Kannimoola Ganapathi. Goddess Malikappurathamma is positioned to the left of the main Sannidhanam. In contrast, the Lord’s assistants, Vavar and Kadutha, are positioned at the foot of the main Sannidhanam during a Sabarimala tour, and the 18 Holy stairs (Pathinettu Thrippadi) that lead to the main sanctuary are seen.
The main staircase leading to the temple is known as the Pathinettu Thripadikal or the 18 sacred steps. No pilgrim may ascend the 18 sacred stairs without an “Irumudikettu,” according to tradition. The 18 stages were included in Panchaloha’s 1985 service. According to the 1991 decision of the Kerala High Court, those without an “Irumudikettu” may enter through the northern gate.
On all other days of the year, excluding the first five days of each Malayalam month, the temple is closed. The devotees participating in Ayyappa Vratam, also known as Ayyappa Maala, carry Irumudi Kettu containing daily sacrifices made to the Lord.
The two most significant festivals held at the temple are Mandalapooja (November 17) and Makaravilakku (Jan 14). The busiest day at this temple is when Makara Jyothi, a celestial star, makes an appearance on January 14. The closest road point to Sabarimala is Pamba, which is 8 kilometres away on foot.
One of the very few Hindu temples in India that is accessible to people of all religions is the Ayyappa Temple. Males of all ages are welcome at the temple, however, women between the ages of 10 and 50 are not permitted.
The Sabarimala Temple And Pooja timings during mandala pooja mahotsavam are mentioned below:
Opening of Sanctum Sanctorum, Nirmalyam, Abhishekam = 3:00 AM
Ganapati Homam = 3:30 AM
Neyyabhishekam from 3:30 AM to 7:00 AM
Usha Pooja from 7:30 AM
Neyyabhishekam from 8:30 to 11:00 AM
Neyyabhishekam / Using Ghee deposited in ‘Neythoni’ = 11:10 AM
Ashtabhishekham (15 nos) from = 11:00 to 11:30 AM
Ucha Pooja = 12:30 PM
Closing of sanctum sanctorum = 1:00 PM
Opening of sanctum sanctorum = 3:00 PM
Deeparadhana = 6:30 PM
Pushpabhishekam 7:00 to 9:30 PM
Athazha Pooja from 9:30 pm
Harivarasanam / Closing of sanctum sanctorum = 11:00 PM
Devotees can visit the official website (i.e. sabarimalaonline.org) of the temple to book the Sabarimala Online Ticket for darshan. Also to learn more about the cost of obtaining a Sabarimala darshan online and the availability of virtual queue slots for the pilgrimage in 2023.
| Deity | Lord Ayyappa (Lord Dharmasastha) |
| Location | Pattanamthittu, Kerala |
| Entry Fee | General Darshan: Free |
| Darshan Timings | 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Poojas | Padi Pooja, Neyyabhishekam, Harivarasanam |
| Best Time to Visit | November to January |
| Festivals | Vishu, Makara Jyothi |
Men who want to seek the Lord’s blessings must adhere to an extremely rigorous dress code at the Sabarimala Temple. Any type of upper clothing, such as shirts or vests, is prohibited. To see the Lord, one needs to be dressed in a dark blue, orange, or black dhoti.
It is prohibited for women between the ages of 10 and 55 to visit Sabarimala. Inside the temple grounds, women over the age limit should wear a saree.
Mid-April is when the Malayali New Year, also known as Vishu, is observed. People adorn their homes with lights and put on new clothing. Payasam, Appam, and milk sweets are offered to God. Rice, fruits, areca nuts, canna flowers, mirrors, and coins are brought to the Lord in a ritualistic arrangement, and pooja is then performed for them.
Children set off firecrackers to celebrate New Year’s birth after the morning rituals of the day.
Kerala’s national holiday is observed in the month of Chingam (Aug.–Sep.). The three-day big celebration is celebrated. The day marks the birth of Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar and the subsequent return of King Mahabali. It is also regarded as a harvest festival.
One of the most significant festivals at the shrine is being observed right now. The event starts on Makar Sankranti day and lasts for seven days. It is thought that on this specific day, the temple’s Lord Ayyapan statue was placed.
From the Valiya Koyikkal Sastha Temple in Pandalam, the god is adorned with priceless jewellery. On the platform of the Mani Mandapam, there is a statue of the Lord riding a tiger. Up till the sacred 18 steps, the idol of Malikapurathamma is carried in a procession behind an elephant before being brought back by going around the temple.
To get to Sabarimala Temple by plane, you need to book a trip to Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kochi, Kerala. Once you get to the airport, you can take a cab or a bus to the base camp at Pamba, which is where the journey to Sabarimala begins. You can also choose to take private transportation from the airport straight to Pamba. Since the temple is on a hill, you will need to keep walking or take a local bus to get to the base of it from Pamba. It’s important to know the rules and laws for entering the temple before you go.
To take a train to the Sabarimala Temple, you need to buy a ticket to Kerala’s Chengannur Railway Station. After you get to Chengannur, you can get a ride to Pamba, which is the starting point for pilgrims going to Sabarimala Temple. From there, you can walk or take a local bus to get to the temple, which is on top of a hill. Before making a trip to the temple, you should find out what the rules are and what you need to do to get in.
For the convenience of Sabarimala pilgrims, KSRTC has begun providing bus services from Pampa to Coimbatore, Palani, and Thenkasi. The governments of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have also been permitted to operate buses to Pampa. There is a chain service running between Pampa and Nilackal base camps.
If you choose to go by road to Sabarimala temple, Pamba is the nearest place which is 5 KM away. Visit 99Pandit for more information related to it.
Q.Where is Sabarimala temple located?
A.Sabarimala temple is located on the mountain ranges of the western ghats at an altitude of 914m above sea level but that could be accessible only by foot pamba (4 km).
Q.What is the dress code of Sabarimala temple?
A.Men should wear inside the temple one needs to be dressed in a dark blue, orange, or black dhoti. Inside the temple grounds, women over the age limit should wear a saree.
Q.What is the main festival of Sabarimala temple celebrated?
A.The two most significant festivals held at the temple are Mandalapooja (November 17) and Makaravilakku (Jan 14). The busiest day at this temple is when Makara Jyothi, a celestial star, makes an appearance on January 14.
Q.Who is the main deity of Sabarimala temple?
A.Vishnu and Shiva’s child, Lord Ayyappa Lord Ayyappa is revered primarily in South India and is thought to be a well-known Hindu god. He is also referred to as Ayyappa when using the name.
Q.How is Onam celebrated in Sabarimala temple?
A.Kerala’s national holiday is observed in the month of Chingam (Aug.–Sep.). The three-day big celebration is celebrated. The day marks the birth of Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar and the subsequent return of King Mahabali. It is also regarded as a harvest festival.
