Indian Tourist Destiny

The most widely visited important pilgrimage centre in Kerala is at Sabarimalai. Sabarimalai is located in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 914 metre, it can be approached after walking a distance of 14 kms on foot from Pamba.

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 shrine gets thronged with devotees especially during the main pilgrim season from November to January.

Mandala pooja(Nov-17th)and Makaravilakku(Jan-14th)are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).

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.

Certain customs are to be strictly observed if one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should abstain himself from non- vegetarian habits and cardinal pleasures.

Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and each carry a cloth bundle called Irumudi kettu containing traditional offerings. Unlike certain Hindu temples, Sabarimala temple has no restrictions of caste or creed. The temple is open to males of all age groups and to women who have either passed their fertility age and those before reaching the stage of puberty.

The easiest route is via Chalakkayam, by which one can reach the banks of the river Pamba by vehicle. Pamba is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. From here one has to trek 4 to 5 kms to reach the temple.

The way to the darshan of Lord Ayyappan starts through the Periya Padhai (long route) at Erumeli. At Erumeli it is a custom for the visitor who goes there for the first time(Kanni Ayyappan) to have his body tatooed, go on a mock-hunting and then dance round the prakaaram of the Sastha temple at Pettah. This peculiar custom known as "Petta Thullal" signifies that one must give up the love of the body and all false notions of dignity. Mock hunting signifies that all should subdue Kama, Krodha and such other vices that lie concealed within oneself before one entes the kingdom of God.

After walking 41 miles from Erumeli crossing Perurthodu, Kaalla Ketti, Azhuthamedu, Karimalai, and Periya annavattum , the pilgrims reach the bank of the river Pampa which is a fine resting place. The temple of Sastha is only four miles from the Pamba river. After worshipping Vinayaka, the pilgrims start climbing hills with great joy to have a darshan of Sabarimalai Sastha. This craggy hill is called Neellimalai. It is believed that those who do not have faith in Lord will utter his name "Ayyappa".

The temple of Dharmasastha is situated on a high platform and there are 18 steps at the entrance to the temple. The significance of the 18 steps are believed as 18 traits of human life. They are as under:

1. Animaa 2. Lakhima 3. Mahima 4. Eshathvam 5. Vashithvam 6. Prakaamyam 7. Bhoodhi 8. Ecchaa 9. Nillam 10. Neer 11. Agni 12. Vayu 13.Vanaam 14. Sathva Gunam 15.Rajva Gunam 16. Thamoo Gunam 17. Vidhya 18. Avidhya.

Only the pilgrims who have the Irumudi on their heads are allowed to touch the 18 holy steps. They break a coconut on the step corresponding to the number of their visit. The pilgrims who have visited 18 times have to plant a coconut tree on the hill. The image of Ayyappa is most exquisite work of art. He sits in the Vira Padmasana posture. His countenance is sweet and serene. His forehead is adorned with Vaishnavite symbols. It is no exaggeration to say that the more one looks at the figure the more he wishes to look again. Many people get solace and mental peace by visiting the temple at Sabarimalai and hence the pilgrims to this sacred place are swelling in numbers year by year.

Schedule for Ayyapa Dharshan