Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple,Darshan Information

Amidst eighteen hills, above the flowing waters of Pampa, surrounded by the wilderness of dense forests is the Sabarimala Swamy Ayyappa temple, one of the foremost pilgrimage destinations in the country. The customs of this famous shrine entwines the rituals of Shaivites, Vaishnavites, Shaktists as well as influences from Buddhism and Jainism. The temple traces its history back to the Pandalam royal family. 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. In 1821 AD, the temple was added to Travancore along with the Kingdom of Padalam. The temple underwent major reconstruction in 1971

Location Kerala, Pathanamthitta, Thiruvananthapuram

Legend

The legend of Sabarimala revolves around the royal family of Panadalam where the ruling King with the blessing of Lord Shiva, adopted the baby boy found on the banks of Pamba. Over the years impressed with extraordinary talents of Manikandan, the Kings decides to make him the heir, much to the displeasure Diwan. The Diwan turned the Queen against Manikandan asking her to favour her biological son as the heir. As per the Diwan's instructions, the Queen pretended to suffer from a serious disease, the cure of which was the milk of the tiger. Manikandan volunteered to go and get the milk from the forest, his father's plea not withstanding. On the way to the forest, Manikandan fulfilled the task of his incarnation when he fought 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. He couldn't persuade the Prince to stay back and so wanted to know where he could construct a temple for Manikandan. Manikandan aimed an arrow which fell at Sabari, where the King built the shrine dedicated to Ayyappa.

This temple is part of famous Sabarimala Ayyappa Darshan Yatra.

Architecture

The climb through the hills take the devotees to the main temple, the Sannidhanam constructed on top of a raised platform. 18 holy golden steps , the 'pathinattupadikal' leads to the top which enshrines the sanctorium. The shrine has a gold plated sanctum roof, the golden kodimaram and two mandapams. The idol of Ayyappan is made of Panchaloha, the amalgamation of five metals. Two other temples are located in the vicinity, one dedicated to Lord Ganesh and another to Malikapurathamma. A giant fire pit, known as Homakunda is situated next to the 18 steps.

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Culture

Sabarimala is one of the world's largest annual pilgrimages and hence witnesses a large flow of devotees. The place reverberates with the chants of prayers and 'Saranam' as the devotees make their climb to the shrine. The temple also boasts of propagating secularism, with the temple open for people of all religions. Sabarimala is a plastic free zone and devotees should help uphold the sanctity and cleanliness of the place.

Darsan Info

Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple timings 4.00 AM to 1.30 PM and 4.00 PM to 11.00 PM

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Women aged between 12 and 50 are not allowed beyond Pampa (The Honorable Supreme Court Verdict Stands as final..). Women need to carry age proof to prove eligibility. Devotees must also visit the shrine of Vavar swamy and Malikapurathamma. The pilgrims are expected to follow Vratham (41 day fasting ritual) prior to the pilgrimage.

Darsan Dresscode

Pilgrims usually wear black/dark clothes during the journey to the temple. One can wear traditional ethnic wear as well as pant and shirt while trekking on the Sabrimala hills. They have to take the 'irumudikettu', the kit carried by the devotees on their head.