Complete Sabarimala Pilgrim Circuit – Temples, Steps & Ritual Landmarks

 

Key Sacred Sites of Sabarimala Pilgrimage

Pamba Ganapathi Temple

• Location: Banks of the holy Pampa River.
• Significance: First stop for every devotee after taking the ritual bath in the river.
• Customary Offering: Coconuts, flowers, and pooja to Lord Ganapathi for a safe, obstacle-free trek to Sabarimala.
• Note: Open throughout the year, unlike the seasonal opening of the Ayyappa temple.

Sannidhanam (Sanctum of Lord Ayyappa)

• Founder: Built by Pandalam Raja Rajasekhar on Lord Ayyappa’s mandate.
• Legend: Located where Ayyappa meditated after slaying demoness Mahishi.
• Deity Form: Lord Ayyappa in Yogasana posture (squatting with knees tied by a belt, symbolizing control of mind).
• Blessing Gesture: Right hand in Abhaya Mudra (protection and reassurance).
• Philosophical Message: Tattvamasi (“Thou art that”) inscribed on the temple facade, one of the Mahāvākyas of Advaita, symbolizing self-realization.
• Pilgrim Tradition: Devotees address each other as Swami, acknowledging divinity in all beings.

Pathinettampadi (18 Sacred Steps)

• Symbolism of 18:
• 18 Puranas, 18 chapters of Bhagavad Gita, 18 days of Mahabharata war, 18 Akshauhinis.
• Sabarimala surrounded by 18 hills.
• Spiritual Meaning:
• First 5 steps → Panchendriyas (five sense organs).
• Next 8 steps → Ashtaragas (lust, anger, greed, delusion, pride, jealousy, envy, hypocrisy).
• Final 3 steps → Trigunas (Satva, Rajas, Tamas).
• Guardians: Temples of Karuppu Sami and Kadutha Sami at the foot of the steps, guarding the sanctum.
• Access: Only devotees who observe Deeksha (vratham) can climb the 18 steps.

Malikappurathamma Temple

• Upadevatha (Sub-deity): Most important goddess shrine at Sabarimala.
• Beliefs:
• Emerged as a beautiful lady after Mahishi’s defeat, wishing to remain with Ayyappa.
• Daughter of Ayyappa’s guru, who became a sanyasini and stayed near him.
• Tantric View: Worshipped as Adiparasakthi.
• Offerings: Turmeric, kumkum, jaggery, honey, plantain, red silk.

Bhasmakulam

• Meaning: “Sacred Ash Pond.”
• Legend: Lord Ayyappa bathed here after defeating Mahishi; ash from the battle sanctified the waters.
• Rituals: Devotees take a holy dip or collect water, believing it purifies and blesses them.
• Role: A vital stop for pilgrims before reaching the temple.

Homakundam (Aazhi)

• Location: Near the temple complex.
• Purpose: Dedicated site for Homa (Vedic fire rituals) during pilgrimage season.
• Offerings: Ghee, grains, herbs offered into the sacred fire.
• Spiritual Meaning: Fire symbolizes the link between physical and spiritual realms; offerings invoke divine blessings and purification.