Sabarimala Temple – Sacred Abode of Lord Ayyappa

 

Location

• District: Pathanamthitta, Kerala
• Region: Western Ghats (Sahyadri ranges)
• Sanctum: Located at Mahayogapeetham, surrounded by 18 hills, also known as Matanga Vana

Historical and Mythological Background

• Name Origin: Shabari (huntress) + Mala (hill) = Hill of the Huntress
• Associated Yogini: Shabari, disciple of Sage Agastya, awaited Lord Shasta’s incarnation as Manikantha
• Scriptural Mentions: Brahmanda Purana, Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana
• Lord Ayyappa: 8th incarnation of Shasta, born from Mohini (Vishnu) and Shiva, wears a Navaratna Mala
• Temple Origins: Believed to be established by Sage Parasurama; current structure dates to the 11th century

Pilgrimage and Vratham

• Mandala Season: Begins on Vrischika 1 (mid-November) and ends on Dhanu 11 (mid-January)
• 41-Day Vratham:
• Begins with Malayideel (wearing the Mala)
• Requires Brahmacharya, simple living, daily poojas, celibacy, and black attire
• Mala is given by a Guru Swamy (a pilgrim who has completed 18 Sabarimala Yatras)
• Irumudi Kettu:
• Two-compartment bag: front for offerings (especially ghee-filled coconut), back for personal items
• Ghee symbolizes the soul; offering it is Aatma Samarpanam

Routes to Sabarimala

• Traditional Route: 40-mile trek via Erumeli, Perur Thodu, and Karimala; open only during Mandala season
• Shorter Route: 5 km from Pampa River via Neelimala; open year-round

Temple Access and Timings

• Open:
• Mandala Pooja Season: November to January
• Makaravilakku: Around January 14 (Makara Sankranti)
• Monthly Poojas: First 5 days of every Malayalam month
• Climbing the 18 Steps (Pathinettam Padi): Allowed only with Irumudi

Pilgrimage Rules and Beliefs

• Eligibility:
• Men of all ages
• Women below 10 and above 50 years
• Goal: Attain Moksha through self-discipline, devotion, and detachment
• Spiritual Vision: The devotee must strive to see God in all beings