Sabarimala Temple

Sabarimala Temple

Kerala is a land of temples perhaps the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala is Sabarimala, high up in the Sahyadhri Mountans. Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the sastha Temples. This is one of the most enciele Temples in Kerala. It is believed the, "Parasurama Maharshi" who uplifted Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship lord ayyappa. The pilgrimage begins in the month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad.

The unique feature of the Sabarimala Temple is that it open to people of all faiths and many none hindus contuct pilgrimages to this temple. The secular aspect of the temple is best exemplified by the existence of the "Vavar Nada" in honour of a Muslim saint at the close proximity to the main temple (Ayyappa Swami Temple) at Sabarimala by the side of Holy Pathinettampady. The pilgrims worship in this place also. The pilgrims on their Sojourn to Sabarimala worship at Erumeli Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and conduct "Petta Thullal" They also worship in the mosque at Erumeli as a part of their pilgrimage. Ayyappa Cult gives much importance for the secularism and communal harmony and has turn out to be a model for the whole world. Another significant aspect of the pilgrimage is that all the pilgrims whether rich or poor, learned or illiterate holding position or not master of servant are all equal before LORD AYYAPPA and all address each other as AYYAPPA.

The divine qualities like equality, fraternity, tolerance, humanity etc.. are shining well in the pilgrims.

RAIL

The pilgrims can reach Kottayam & Chengannur by Railway (Broadgauage) and Punalur (Metre Gauge) and from there by bus to Pampa.

AIR

The pilgrims can reach Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi & Nedumpassery by Air and from there by bus to Pumpa.

ROUTE BY WALKING

Erumeli to Sabarimala (via) Kalaketty, Azhutha, Inchippara, Karimala, Pampa - 45 Kms. There to Sabarimala - Traditional route by walking.

Vandipperiyar to Mount Estate by vehicle and their by walking to Sabarimala.

Climp down to Sabarimal is from Vandipperiyar to Kozhikanam - 15 Kms. Kozhikkanam to Uppupara - 10 Kms. Uppupara to Sabarimal - 3.5 Kms. (Climp down on foot)

Women between the age group of 10-50 are not permited for the SABARIMALA PILGRIM AGE. Honourable High Court of Kerala have also ordered to privent there entry to Sabarimala. Pilgrims will specialy not this.

Cigarette and Beedi smoking, alcoholic drinks and carrying plastic goods are prohibited at Pampa Temple Complex and at Sabarimala Temples Complexes including lower Thirumuttam.

Only pilgrims who have observed Vritham and carry Irumudikkettu (Pallikkettu) alone are allowed entry through the Holy Pathinettampadi.

Placing Viri and Halting in the upper Thirumuttam is not allowed during festival seasons.

Please observe queue for Darshan, Abhishekam. Also be in queue before the Prasadam counters.

Purchase tickets for Vazhipadus from the respective ticket counters.

NILACKAL MAHADEVAR TEMPLE

This is an important Temple enrout to Sabarimala in between Plappally and Pampa. This is an intermediate halting area (with parking facilities).

THE DIVINE PAMPA

The divine Pampa place an important roll in the Sabarimala pilgrimage. After passing around 102 steps the pilgrims can reach at the Pampa Maha Ganapathi Temple. Breaking coconuts is the main offering here. Neelimala, Appachimedu, Sabareepeedam, Saramkuthi are the over devine places enroots. At Pampa also there are a few pilgrim sheds. There are three hospitals (one Alopathy one Ayurveda and one Homeopathy) functioning during the festival period. At appachimedu also one first aid center. Used to function during the peak days of festival period. One information center is working at Pampa Anjanaya Auditorium.

PATHINETTAMPADI.

Pathinettapadi (18 devine steps) to the sanctum sanctorium is devine in all aspects. The first three steps depict "Bhommi, Agni, Vayoo & Akash", 6 to 9 steps for Karmendria, 10 to 15 for Jhanandria, 16th for mind 17th Intelligence and 18th Jeevathma Bhava. Those who crosses all these steps is believed to achieve "Punyadarshan".

ACCOMMADATION AND OTHER FACILITIES

The multistoried pigrim complex is located adjacent to the Nadapanthal. There are a few pilgrim sheds on the northern side in Pandithavalam and beyond Pandithavalam. Beyond this area a series of Public Latrines are provided. There is a Government Hospital and Ayurvedic Hospital functioning during festival season on the south eastern side near the Nadapanthal. Near Malikappuram Temple Complex there is a dispensary run by NSS. There is a Telephone Exchange and Public call office with STD facilities. Police force is stationed in all important areas of the Sabarimala pilgrimages.

IMPORTANT VAZHIPADUS AT SABARIMALA

Padi Pooja: Rs. 15001/- (Pooja materials extra). (During festival season of Mandalam Makaravilakku this Pooja is not conducted.)