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Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple is one of the most ancient and prominent Sastha temples in the country. Located in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is one of the few Hindu temples in India that is open to all faiths. The shrine of Sabarimala is one of the most remote shrines in southern India yet it still draws three to four million pilgrims each year. Surrounded by mountains and dense forest Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Ayyappan meditated. Perhaps the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala is Sabarimala. Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples. It is believed that "Parasurama Maharshi" who retrieved Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa.

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. The shrine gets thronged with devotees especially during the main pilgrim season from November to January. Mandala pooja (November16,2009) and Makaravilakku(Jan.14th) are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).

Certain customs are to be strictly observed if one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should abstain himself from non vegetarian food and carnal pleasures. Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and each carry a cloth bundle called Irumudi kettu containing traditional offerings. Unlike certain Hindu temples, Sabarimala temple has no restrictions of caste or creed. The temple is open to males of all age groups and to women who have either passed their fertility age and those before reaching the stage of puberty. The easiest route is via Chalakkayam, by which one can reach the banks of the river Pamba by vehicle. Pamba is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. From here one has to trek 4 to 5 kms to reach the temple.

Melsanthi Ezhikode Sasi Nambodiri, accompanied by Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, opened the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala at 5.30 p.m. on Friday.

The rituals in connection with the anniversary of idol installation will be on Saturday. The priests prepared the Brahmakalasom and Sahasrakalasom (holy waters) in 1,000 small copper urns for the Sahasrakalasabhishekom to be performed prior to the Utchapuja on Saturday.

The ritual will begin with the Tantri performing Ashtadravya Ganapati ‘homom’ on Saturday morning.A Kalabhabhishekom will also be performed at the Ayyappa shrine prior to the Utchapuja on Saturday.

The Brahmakalasom will be taken out in a customary procession, with the accompaniments of the sacred ‘marappani’ and other traditional temple percussion, to the sanctum sanctorum for the Abhishekom. The sandal paste (‘kalabhom’) offered to the deity will be distributed as ‘prasadom’ among the devotees.

Padipuja, Ashtabhishekom, Udayasthamanapuja, and Pushpabhishekom will be the other important rituals on the day. The temple will be closed after Athazhapuja.

The temple will reopen on June 15 for the five-day monthly rituals in the Malayalam month of Midhunom that begins the next day.

	Padipooja		Udayastamaya Pooja
	Ganapathy homam		Usha Pooja
	Nithya Pooja		Pushpabhishekom
	Ulsava bali		Muzukkappu
	Laksharchana		Sahasra Namarchana
	Ashtothara Archana		Thulabharam
	Neyyabhishekam (each Mudra)		Parayideel (paddy)
	Aravana 250 gms.		Vibhoothi prasadam
	Appom (1 packet  7 Nos)		Adiyasishtam Ghee  100ml
	Swayamvara Archana (malikappuram)		Navagraha pooja
	Valsan nivedyam (malikappuram)		Modakam (pampa ganapathy temple)
	Aval nivedyam		Swarnabharana pooja
	Ayyappa chkram		Mala vadi pooja
	Ucha pooja		Sahasra kalasam
	Navagraha nilavilakku		Vidhyarambham
	Kettunira (at pampa)		Manjal kumukumam
	Malar nivedyam (100ml)		Adima (sannidanam)
	Bhagavathy seva		Thanka anki charthu
	Vadamala (pampa)		Choroonu
	Namakaranam		Ashtabhishekam
	Poojicha mani		Neeranjanam
	Udayada charthu		Udayada nadakkuvaipu

	Opening of sanctum sanctorum 4.00 a.m.		Nirmalya darshanam 4.05 a.m.
	Ganapati homam 4.15 a.m.		Neyyabhishekom 4.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m
	Usha pooja 7.30 a.m.		Ucha pooja 1.00 p.m.
	Closing of sanctum sanctorum 3.00p.m.		Opening of sanctum sanctorum 4.00 p.m.
	Deeparadhana 6.30 p.m.		Pushpabhishekam 7.00 p.m.
	Athazha pooja 10.30 p.m.		Harivarasanam 11.50 p.m.
	Closing of sanctum sanctorum 11.50 p.m.

The pilgrimage season in Sabarimala commences from November 14 and extends to January 19 till Makara Vilakku. During this period, millions of Ayyappa aspirants converge on the tiny temple complex from all over India. Also the temple is open for brief spells during certain Malayali festivals like Onam and Vishu. All through the year, monthly poojas are offered at Sabarimala, usually during the first of week of every Malayalam month (which actually falls in the middle of each English month); the shrine is open for the first five days of every month.

Girls who have not yet attained puberty and elderly women who have reached menopause are allowed entry into the temple. Men are expected to walk barefoot, sleep on the floor with their hair and nails uncut and refrain from self-indulgence during their 41-day vritham and journey to Sabarimala.

The most important festival at the Ayyapppa temple on Sabarimala is Makara Vilakku. It is a seven-day festival, beginning on the day of Makara Sankranthi, the day when the sun is in summer solstice. According to legend, the idol of Dharma Shastha was enshrined in the temple on this day. The annual festivities of Makara Vilakku commemorate this sacred event.

The jewellery to adorn the idol during the celebrations is brought from Pandalam Palace in a ceremonial procession that starts from Valiya Koyikkal Sastha Temple at Pandalam, three days prior to Makara Sankranthi. The boxes containing the sacred jewels are borne by an oracle; the procession reaches Sabaripeettam in the evening on Makara Sankranthi and is led to the Sannidhanam to the accompaniment of lights and music. Incidentally, a kite appears in the sky at this very moment and hovers around the boxes, as if to safeguard the precious cache comprising a diamond diadem, gold bracelets and necklaces embedded with precious gems, Lord’s swords, silver arrows and images of elephant, horse and leopard fashioned out of gold.

Another highlight of this festival is the appearance of Makarajyothi that leaves an indelible impression on the millions who view it. The poojas and rituals associated with Makara Vilakku are performed on the Manimandapam (sacred platform) adjacent to the Devi’s shrine. A picture depicting Lord Ayyappan on the back of a tiger is placed on the podium.

Afterwards, Malikappurathamma is mounted on an elephant’s back and taken in a procession of torch bearers, drummers and buglers to Pathinettampadi (18 holy steps). The procession stops abruptly as the Vettavili (call for hunting) is given out and returns, circumambulating the main temple. Makara Vilakku ends with the ritual called ‘Guruthi’, offering made to appease the god and goddesses of the wilderness. None remains within the temple and its precincts after the ‘Guruthi’.

Other important festivals celebrated at the temple include Onam, Mandalapooja and Vishu Vilakku.

Pilgrims are not allowed to enter the ‘pathinettam padi’ without the ‘irumudi-kettu’.

Do not pollute the River Pampa by throwing food leftovers and clothes.

Maintain personal hygiene. Use only public toilets. Do not commit nuisance.

Do not use toilet soap and oil at the temple pond (Bhasma Kulam).

Avoid ‘shayana-pradakshinam’ during rush hours.

Undertake no such activity that will affect the ecological balance of the area.

Smoking and chewing of tobacco are prohibitted. Avoid using them.

Sabarimala is plastic-free. Using plastic products and carelessly abandoning them after use is strictly prohibited. Better do not carry them.

Those who attempt to cook should put off the fire before leaving.

Do not break the coconut at ‘Pathinettampadi’. Use the space allocated for that.

Do not create havoc while negotiating the ‘pathinettampadi’ and during ‘darshan’.

Please deposit all the ‘sara-kkols’ into the ‘saram-kuthy’.

Women falling in the age group of 10 to 50 should not undertake the pilgrimage.

Young women are also not allowed entry into Pampa on the day of Arattu.

Pathinettupadi (18 divine steps) to the sanctum sanctorium is divine in all aspects. The first three steps depict “Bhoomi, Agni, Vayoo & Akash”, 6 to 9 steps for Karmendriya, 10 to 15 for Jhanandriya, 16th for mind 17th Intelligence and 18th Jeevathma Bhava. Those who cross all these steps are believed to achieve “Punyadarshan”.

Nagayakshi is one of the paripara devatas of Sastha and she is stationed at many of his temples like Kulathupuzhai, Achan kovil etc Onnam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Mahishamardhini is Durga Swaroopini an infacther advent took place before Swami’s Manikanta incarnation and she annihilated Mahisha and Manikanta destroyed his Sister Mahishi Rendam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Sastha is Annadhana Prabhu and is very happy in the pious deed of feeding all his devotees – always. A Sastha devotee is never in want of food – throughout his life time. Moonam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Kali is the Goddess of time and change representing both the creative and destructive aspects of Nature. She helps those who strive for knowledge of self. Naalam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Krishna Kali is one such deity with whom devotees have a very loving and intimate bond, in spite of her fearful appearance. She is known for destroying ignorance. Ancham Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Shakti Bhairavi is the ugra swaroopini of Shakti and she is known more to the devotees as the famous Yakshi – who is seated in the court of Lord Sastha Aaraam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Kaartha Veeryaarjuna is an Amsha of Sudharshana Chakra. He got Satha Upasana from his Guru Datta and obtained many great powers and rose to a level of God Ezhaam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Krishnabhan is more popularly known as Karuppan. He is the cheif of all the Bhootaganas of Sastha’s Bhootha sena. He is seen in almost every Sastha temple in Tamilnadu and few age old temples of Kerala. Ettam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Hidimba is one of the chief warrior but also the preceptor born in the clan of Asuras. He is seated as the guardian deity of the ninth step. Onpadham Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Vethala is considered to be the head of Ghost and Goblins and in an amsha of Bhairava. Sastha is Bhoothanatha who controls these Ghosts and hence Vethala is one among his parivara. Pathaam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Nagaraja is the king of the Serpants. In general Anantha is considered to be the King of the Naga Kingdom and he is stationed at the eleventh step here to destroy the Sarpa doshas of the devotees Pathinonnam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Renuka is the Mother of Parasurama who was killed and later resurrected by Parasurama. After the death of Jamadagni, Revana Siddha gave her Sasthru Deeksha at Padavedu and she is stationed here. Pantrendam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Swapna Varahi is a form of Vartali who gets pleased with the devotees and comes and guides the devotees through dreams. Pathimoonam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Pratyangira is Ugra Swaroopini who is very much forceful in action and her primary duty is to protect the upasakas of Para Devata Pathinalam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Bhoomadevi is the consort of the Varaha Moorthi. She is Dharma Swaroopini and represents Kshama- forgiveness. Holding a paddy sheaf in her hand, She also indicates prosperity Pathinancham Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

The following there are Astra Devatas. Ever ready for prayoga against the evil. Agora is one of the Astra of Shiva which he created to destroy the Tripurasuras. It can grants worldly good and salvation to the soul. Pathinaram Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Pashupata is Shiva’s personal asta and a most forceful one. It can even be discharged by eyes, words or mind. Its capable of destroying anything and can even stop creation. Pathinezham Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

Mrutyunjaya is yet another Astra which gives eternal state to the aspirant. This is not just to live a healthy life and get rid of ailments. This conquers mrutyu – the permanent state of existence; Thats knowing the self; being self; Thats Thathwamasi. Pathinettam Thruppadiye Sharanam Ayyappa

The Ayyappa temple on Sabarimala lies 184 km away from the international airport in the Kerala’s capital city of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Similarly, it is 214 km from Kochi (formerly Cochin) International Airport. The nearest railway stations to Sabarimala are at Kottayam and Chengannur.

During the pilgrimage seasons, devotees proceed to the temple through Chalakayam, or they hit the mountain trails that start from Erumeli and ascend the Karimala hills barefoot. The total distance covered is approximately 50 km.

Three main routes to Sabarimala currently exist and they are,

I) Kottayam to Pampa (via) Erumeli, from Pampa to Sabarimala (by foot) – 136 km Kottayam to Pampa (via) Manimala, from Manimala to Sabarimala by foot – 116 km

II) Erumeli to Sabarimala (via) Kalaketty, Azhutha, Inchippara, Karimala, Pampa – 45 km From Pampa to Sabarimala by foot.

III) Vandiperiyar to Mount Estate by vehicle, from Mount Estate to Sabarimala by foot.

IV) Vandiperiyar to Kozhikkanam, from Kozhikkanam to Sabarimala (descent) – 15 km Kozhikkanam to Uppupura -10 km. Uppupura to Sabarimala – 3.5 km (Vehicles can be utilized for travel till Uppupura).

Vehicles cannot proceed further beyond Pampa which is located in the Pampa river valley; the final five kilometers are best covered by trekking, but for the aged and handicapped, porters and chairs are available.

Note:There aren’t any fuel stations on Vadasserikkara-Pamba route. Fill your tanks and store enough quantities at Vadasserikkara. Though a fuel station is functioning at Pamba, availability of petrol and diesel cannot be ensured.

If your vehicle has any minor repairs kindly repair it before you enter the ghat section. You cannot find workshops at all places. There are many workshops at Erumely, Pathanamthitta, Vadasserikkara, etc. Keep important spare parts and tool kit with you. And don’t forget that extra tyre

The vehicles bearing Ayyappas from various parts of the country are pooled at Erumeli. A temple with a presiding idol of Lord Ayyappan as an archer is located here. The idol subtly implies that the true seeker, guided by the Lord himself, shall concentrate on his goal of attaining God-realization. The way to Supreme bliss, however is not smooth, it is strewn with impediments. This is indicated by the cumbersome route beyond Erumeli.

According to legend, it was at Erumeli that the young ascetic God, Dharma Shastha slew the demoness, Mahishi. There are two other small shrines adjacent to the main temple at Erumeli – one dedicated to Vavar who was the trusted aide of the Lord and another in honour of Ayyappan himself. Erumeli is synonymous with the famous Petta thullal that unfolds during the course of the pilgrimage. The devotees paint motifs on themselves with ashes, saffron and carbon and carry odd-looking arrows, clubs, bundles of fruits and vegetables. With Kanni Ayyappans lined up in the front, they dance rhythmically to the drum and cymbal beats and to the chants, ‘Ayyappa thinthaka thom, Swami thinthaka thom.’

Petta thullal commences at the small Ayyappa shrine and proceeds to the main temple complex. As the dances reach the bigger temple, branches of trees are hurled at its roof and devotees circumambulate sanctum sanctorum. It is obligatory for Kanni Ayyappans to participate in Petta thullal. These rejoicings commemorate the joy of people after Mahishi was slain by Manikantan/Lord Ayyappan.

The area beyond Erumeli, extending to the banks of River Pampa is called Poomkavanam. It is an expansive stretch of lush impenetrable forest and the first spot of worship here, is a Shiva temple at Kalaketti. A coconut sanctified by the waters of Perur thodu is broken at the simple altar within the temple to propitiate Mahadeva.

Soon afterwards, the devotees reach Azhutha or River Alasa. While bathing in this river, every devotee picks up the first piece of stone he gets hold of from the river bed, which he throws on Kallidum kunnu where the mortal remains of Mahishi lied under a heap of stones. Kallidum kunnu is a mere rock, 4 feet high.

The trail then becomes extremely strenuous and hazardous. The steep slopes of Mount Azhutha pose a formidable challenge to pilgrims; Kallidum Kunnu grows visible as the summit of Azhutha draws nearer. This difficult climb culminates at a shrine for Kottayil Shastha on Inchipara where the worshippers break coconut and burn camphor to appease the presiding deity. At Inchipara, water is hardly available.

The next important stop on the way is the four feet high statue of Karimalanathan on Mount Karimala. Pilgrims pay homage to Karimalanathan by sprinkling turmeric power on the image and burning camphor in front of it. Also nearby is the Nazhikinar, a small well within a well that always contains fresh spring water. The very name Karimala suggests that it is the abode of wild elephants (Kari, in Malayalam means elephant). Ananthavalam lies beneath this formidable mountain and this is believed to the place where King Rajashekara picked up the infant Manikantan.

From Karimala, the pilgrim group heads towards the banks of River Pampa. The cool and languid waters of Pampa are a welcome sight to hordes of travellers, weary after their arduous trek up Karimala. Long famed for its holiness, this river was brought to the earth by Parasurama with the blessings of Mahadeva to redeem his people; it is the confluence of all the holy rivers of Bharathavarsha. Upon reaching the banks of this hallowed river, the devotee rests and after a quiet dip in the sacred waters, offers Pithrutharpanam (rites to appease the ancestors), Pampa sadya (feast), Gurudakshina and Pampa vilakku (lamps).

The normally serene mountain valley turns into a surging ocean of humanity on festive occasions.

The last lap of the journey is the ascent up Neelimala, atop which is the abode of the young ascetic God. The sacred 18 steps, Pathinettam padi leading to the Sannidhanam of Dharma Shastha are about 6 kilometres away from Pampa. Neelimala is higher and its slopes are steeper and slippery when compared to the surrounding hills.

During Makara Vilakku, the representative of the King of Pandalam will be present on a platform at the base of this mountain with full royal insignia. Pilgrims honour him by presenting money (kanikka) and receive sacred vibhoothi as prasadam. The climb up Neelimala ends at Appachimedu. The trail hereafter meanders mostly on level ground.

Appachimedu is essentially a grassy meadow with dark and deep ravines on either side. These ravines named Appachikuzhi and Ippachikuzhi. Kanni Ayyappans are expected to fling sweetened rice balls into these chasms to appease evil spirits believed to be lurking in their shadowy depths. Appachimedu leads to Sabaripeettam which is just a flat rock. This is supposed to be the place where tapasvini Sabari who was an ardent devotee of Sri Ramachandra attained God realization through Dharma Shastha. As a mark of respect for this exalted soul, pilgrims break coconuts and burn camphor.

Sabaripeettam is a mere 1.6 kilometres from the sacred 18 steps (pathinettam padi) Between these two spots lies Saramkuthi (or the place where the arrow struck) where Manikantan’s arrow pierced a target to mark the location for the erection of the temple. Coconuts are broken here as well. Soon the 18 holy steps grow visible and the chants of Saranamantra become louder.

Before placing his foot on the step, the devotee prostrates before it and breaks a coconut upon it. The coconut is symbolic of the three gunas – Satwa, Rajas and Tamas. The outer shell represents Tamas, the kernel denotes Rajas and the nectar inside Satwa. When the pilgrim breaks the coconut, the shell and the kernel are broken into several pieces and the water spills over the step. This signifies a total destruction of Tamas and Rajas and the complete union of Satwa with the Ultimate Truth. And now the bhaktha is ready to savour Eternal Bliss.

The Lord with pattabandha which is a belt around the folded legs and chinmudra, the forefinger of the right hand touching the thumb and the stretched left arm resting on the knee cap welcomes the devout, poised to confer on them innumerable boons. The devotees circumambulate the temple and pay homage to Lord Ganesha and Karthikeya, while ghee is emptied out of their neithengas for abhishekam. A portion of the ghee is given back to them as Prasadam; the remainder is deposited in a large reservoir resembling a boat.

After customary worships at the various shrines within the temple complex, the pilgrims descend the Pathinettampadi, contemplating a return in the next season.

1. Kottayam to pamba (via) Erumeli and from Pamba to Sabarimala (by foot) 136 kilometers. Kottayam to Pamba (via) Manimala and there to sabarimala 116 Kilometers.

2. Erumeli to Sabarimala (via) Kalaketty, Azhutha, Inchipra, Karimala, Pampa- 45 kiliometers(traditional route by walking).

3. Vandiperiyar to Mount estate by vehicle and there by waling to sabarimala

4. Climb down sabarimala is Vandiperiyar to Kozhikanam 15 kilometers. Kozhikanam to Uppupara 10 kilometers, Uppupara to Sabarimala 3.5 Kilometers (climb doen on foot). Nearst railway stations are kottayam and Chengannur.

	Route		Distance
	Erumeli to Pamba		80 km
	Kottayam to Erumeli (via) Kanjirapally		55 km
	Kottayam to Erumeli (via) Manimala		54 km
	Kottayam to Pamba (via) Manimala		116km
	Kottayam to Pamba (via) Thiruvalla (Kozhencherry, Vadasserikkara )		119 km
	Kottayam to Pamba (via) Thiruvalla		123 km
	Chengannur to Pamba		93 Km
	Ernakulam to Pamba (via) Kottayam		200 km
	Allappy to Pamba (via) Ac Road		137 km
	Punalur to Pamba		101 km
	Pathanathitta to pamba		65 km
	Thiruvananthapuram to Pamba		180 km
	Ernakulam to Erumeli (via) Vaikkam, Pala, Ponkunnam		121km