The 18 steps to the Divine
Legend
The legend of Sabarimala revolves around the royal family of
Panadalam. The adopted prince Manikandan was sent to the forest to get
the milk of tigress by the conspiracy of the Diwan and Queen who were
displeased at him being chosen as the heir. On the way to the forest,
Manikandan fulfilled the task of his incarnation when he fought a and
and killed Mahishi, who had unleashed atrocities against the Devas. The
Devas then helped Manikandan and he returned with a bunch of tigers with
the Prince riding a female tigress. The King who came to know of the
conspiracy fell on Manikandan's feet asking forgiveness but couldn't
persuade Manikandan to stay back. Manikandan aimed an arrow which fell
at Sabari, where the King then built the sanctum dedicated to Ayyappa.
The temple remained obscure for many centuries subsequent to its
erection. It is believed that one of the Kings during the later
generation rediscovered the paths to the shrine. Over the years the flow
of devotees who reach the temple after strict vows and hard treks has
turned the temple to one of the most visited annual pilgrimage in the
country.
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Deity - Temples
Deity :- Lord Ayyappa
Temples Covered :-
Swamy Sree Ayyappan Temple
Pampa Ganapathy Temple
Malikapurathamma Shrine
Vavar swamy shrine
Most
packages also cover various other temples en route, as the rules of the
pilgrimage specifies the devotees to visit as many shrines as they can
before the darshan of Ayyappa.
Area Covered
Kerala
Language spoken :- Malayalam
Auspicious Days
Mandalapuja, the last day of the Mandalavratham, is celebrated with many festivities.
However,
Makaravilakku in January is the most important festival occasion of the
temple with lakhs of devotees thronging to get the glimpse of the Lord
as well as the famed 'Makara jyoti'.
Climate
The climate during the months of November, December and January are pleasant with the temperatures around high twenties though it can get a bit chilly in the night. The summers are hot and dry. Monsoon season is during the months of June to August
Best time to Travel
The temple is open for worship only during the days of Mandalapooja (Nov/Dev), Makaravilakku (January) , Vishu (14 April), and the first five days of each Malayalam month.
Darshan Info Clock Duration
The journey can be completed in 2-4 days from Kochi.
Yatra Preparations
Before undertaking the journey, he should prepare the 'irumudikettu' at the nearest temple. This kit should be carried on the head as the trek to the temple is done.
Must Haves
The devotees are advised to wear black, saffron or dark coloured clothing.Footwear should not be used while going to the shrine.
The 'irumudikettu' which is a kit with offerings to the Lord should be carried on the head. Without this kit, devotees will not be allowed to climb the 18 steps. The rear part of the irumudi contains the pilgrims personal belongings.
Please take any special medication that you might need during the journey.
Health Awareness
Travel Method
Crowd Expected
The temples is estimated to receive more than a 100 million devotees every year.
Festivals
Mandalapuja, the last day of the Mandalavratham, is celebrated with many festivities.
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