Sabarimala Sri Ayyappa Temple – The Sacred Abode of Lord Ayyappa
History of Sabarimala Temple
Sabarimala Sri Dharma Sastha Temple, located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, is one of the largest annual pilgrimage sites in the world, attracting over 30 to 40 million devotees every year. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa (Hariharaputra), believed to be the son of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu (in his Mohini avatar).
The temple’s history is deeply connected to the Pandalam royal family, who are considered the earthly custodians of Lord Ayyappa’s traditions. The famous Thiruvabharanam procession, carrying the sacred ornaments of Ayyappa, begins at Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and reaches Sabarimala during the grand Makaravilakku festival.
Myth and Religious Significance
Legend says that Lord Ayyappa meditated at Sabarimala after defeating the demoness Mahishi. He then blessed the devotees, promising to eternally reside in the forested hill shrine to bestow moksha (liberation) upon his worshippers.
The temple emphasizes discipline, equality, and devotion. Before visiting, devotees observe a 41-day vratham (penance) involving strict celibacy, vegetarian diet, simplicity in lifestyle, and wearing the mala (holy beads). Women between the ages of 10 and 50 traditionally do not enter the shrine, as Lord Ayyappa is considered a Naishtika Brahmachari (eternal celibate).
Location of Sabarimala Temple
The temple is located at an altitude of 914 meters (3,000 ft) above sea level in the Western Ghats. Devotees trek through the forest paths to reach the shrine, the most famous being the traditional Erumeli route and the Pamba–Neelimala trek.
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Nearest Town: Pamba (5 km trek to the temple)
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Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur (94 km)
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Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (170 km) / Cochin International Airport (160 km)
Temple Timings
Sabarimala temple is open only on specific days:
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Mandala Pooja (Nov–Dec)
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Makaravilakku (Jan)
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Vishu (April)
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First day of every Malayalam month
General Timings:
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| Opening of sanctum sanctorum, Nirmalyam Abhishekam | 3:00 AM |
| Ganapati Homam | 3:30 AM |
| Neyyabhishekam | From 3:30 to 7:00 AM |
| Usha Pooja | From 7:30 AM |
| Neyyabhishekam | From 8:30 – 11:00 AM |
| Neyyabhishekam/ Using Ghee deposited in ‘Ney thoni’ | 11:10 AM |
| Ashtabhishekham (15 nos) | From 11:00 to 11:30 AM |
| Ucha Pooja | 12:30 PM |
| Closing of sanctum sanctorum | 1:00 PM |
| Opening of sanctum sanctorum | 3:00 PM |
| Deeparadhana | 6:30 PM |
| Pushpabhishekam | From 7:00 to 9:30 PM |
| Athazha Pooja | From 9:30 PM |
| Harivarasanam/ Closing of sanctum sanctorum | 11:00 PM |
Festivals and Special Days
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Mandala Pooja (November – December): Marks the beginning of the pilgrimage season.
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Makaravilakku (January): The grand festival where millions witness the Makarajyothi (sacred light) and Lord Ayyappa’s ornaments are adorned.
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Vishu Festival (April): Celebrates prosperity and the new year.
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Monthly Opening Days: First five days of each Malayalam month.
Poojas and Rituals at Sabarimala
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Neyyabhishekam (Ghee Abhishekam): The most important ritual where ghee carried in irumudi kettu is poured over the idol.
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Ganapathi Homam at Pamba and Sannidhanam.
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Harivarasanam (Lullaby to Ayyappa) sung every night before closing the sanctum.
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Udayasthamana Pooja and Kalabhabhishekam during festival days.
Plan Your Pilgrimage with SouthGuru Holidays
Embark on your Sabarimala pilgrimage with comfort and devotion through SouthGuru Holidays. We provide customized Ayyappa tour packages, cab rentals, airport transfers, group pilgrim tours, and guided temple visits across Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
📞 Contact SouthGuru Holidays
📧 Email: sales@southguru.in
🌐 Website: www.southguruholidays.com
📞 Call: +91-73565 07555
