SABARIMALA

famous temple in Kerala, which does not restrict anybody from visiting it for not being a Hindu.

One of the most famous pilgrim centres in India, Sabarimala is situated on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 914 m above sea level and is accessible only by foot from Pamba (4 km). The temple is dedicated to Sree Ayyappa. Sabarimala temple located in pathanamthitta, a hilly terrain of pristine beauty is popular as pilgrim worship in Kerala South India. The Sabarimala temple is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 1260 m/4135 ft. above mean sea level, and is surrounded by mountains and dense forests. The pilgrim season extends from November to mid-January. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakkuare are the two main events during this season. The Temple remains closed during the rest of the year, except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during 'Vishu' in April.  A spiritual tour to the Sabarimala temple located in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, South India, would make a pilgrim note that since that chance discovery the influx of pilgrims have increased sizeably. Sabarimala is one of the most visited piligrim centres in the world with an estimated 4.5 - 5 crores devotees coming every year. Go with one mind and one `mantra' dreaming constantly of the darshan of the presiding deity at the Holy Sannidhanam. . Devotees visit Sabarimala after undergoing 41 days of ‘Vritha’ i.e., self-imposed devotional penance. They, with irumudikettu (bundle with offerings to Ayyappa) on their head, climb the mountain ranges and cross the forest bare footed repeatedly chanting ‘Saranam Ayyappa’ which means we seek refuge in Ayyappa. This is probably the only famous temple in Kerala, which does not restrict anybody from visiting it for not being a Hindu. Men of all ages are allowed inside the temple but women only below 10 years and above 50 years of age are permitted inside.

The confluence of Hindu and Muslim deities in the form of Lord Ayyappa, and his lieutenant Vavar makes this esteemed pilgrim centre a model of communal harmony and castelessness. Vehicular traffic cannot go beyond Pamba and the last 5 kms. to the Shrine can be reached only by trekking. This is probably the only .

The pilgrimage Season starts in November and end in mid January.

How to reach there:

Thiruvalla Railway station to Pathanamthitta-30 kms

Chenganoor Railway Station to Pathanamthitta-26 kms

Pathanamthitta to pamba-67 kms

Pamba to Sabarimala