Sabarimala
(72 Km from Pathanamthitta) is a famous pilgrimage centre in Kerala.
There is a shrine dedicated to Sri Ayyappan at Sabarimala, high
up in the Sahyadhri Mountains at an altitude of 914 m above sea
level. Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and
prominent among all the Sastha Temples. 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.
Non
Hindus are also allowed to conduct pilgrimages to the temple. This
is one place which has turned out to be a model of communal harmony.
There is 'Vavar Nada', a shrine in honour of a Muslim Saint close
to the Ayyappa Swami Temple at Sabarimala. Pilgrims to Sabarimala
worship here first and then proceed to the main temple.
Women
between the age group of 10-50 are not permitted for the Sabarimala
pilgrimage. Only pilgrims who have observed 'Vritham' (penance)
and carry 'Irumudikkettu' (Pallikkettu) alone are allowed entry
through the Holy 'Pathinettampadi' (18 Divine Steps) to the shrine.
The steps depict elements, mind, intelligence etc. Those who crosses
all these steps is believed to achieve 'Punyadarshan'.
The
shrine is open only on specific occasions : 'Mandalam', 41 days
from Mid November to end December, 'Makaravilakku' mid of January,
on 'Vishu' - mid April, 'Prathistha day' (May - June) and during
the Onam festival (August-September) and first five days of every
Malayalam month. Pampa is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala.
From Pampa it is just 8 Kms. The State Buses reach Pampa and this
is the easiest and most popular route.
»How
to reach Sabarimala
By
Air : The pilgrims can reach Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi & Nedumbassery
by Air and from there reach Pampa by bus/car.
By Rail : The pilgrims can reach Kottayam & Chengannur by Railway
(Broad gauage) and Punalur (Metre Gauage) and from there by bus
to Pampa.
By Road : Kottayam to Pampa
(via) Erumeli and from Pampa to Sabarimala (the latter by foot)
- 136 km Kottayam to Pampa (via) Manimala and there to Sabarimala
by foot - 116 km.
Sabarimala, Religious Places in India Reservation Form
