The Sabarimala temple in Kerala is located in the dense forests of the Western Ghats, attracts millions of pilgrims every year from all around the world. This temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in India. The journey to Sabarimala is marked by a rigorous 41-day vratham, that requires mental focus, physical abstinence, and a simple lifestyle.
The temple is located in the top of a hill at an altitude of about 4100 feet and requires a trek through forest paths that echoes with chants and prayers. Every year, especially during the Mandala season and Makaravilakku, the area is covered with pilgrims dressed in black or blue carrying the sacred irumudi kettu on their heads.
History of Sabarimala Temple – The Legend of God Ayyappan
The origin of the Sabarimala Kerala temple is linked to the Ayyappa Swamy story, which has been passed down through generations. According to Hindu mythology, God Ayyappan was born to Lord Shiva and Mohini, a female avatar of Lord Vishnu. This divine birth was meant to destroy the demoness Mahishi, who can only be defeated by a child born of such a union.
After defeating Mahishi and achieving his goal, God Ayyappan chose to live a life of self-discipline and meditation in the Sabarimala forests. Also, it is believed that King Rajasekhara of Pandalam, who raised Ayyappa as his own son, built the temple at the very exact spot where Ayyappa entered his eternal samadhi.
Specialties of Sabarimala Temple
41-day Vratham
One of the notable specialities associated with Sabarimala in Kerala is the 41-day vratham observed by pilgrims before visiting. During this time, devotees follow 41-day fast involving celibacy, strict vegetarian diet, refrain from alcohol, maintain a disciplined lifestyle, and wearing black or blue attire. This period is believed to clean the body and mind before visiting the holy temple.
Trek to the Temple
Reaching the temple involves a challenging trekking. People from all backgrounds walk together through the thick forest paths of Pamba routes to reach the shrine on barefoot and by chanting “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa”.
18 Sacred Steps
Another speciality of the temple is the Pathinettam Padi or the 18 sacred steps that lead to the sanctum sactorum. Only those who have completed the Vratham are allowed to climb these steps. Each steps have a deep symbolic meaning and is climbed only by those who carry the Irumudi, which is a sacred bag prepared during the Vratham. Devotees believe that climbing these steps with full faith cleanses the soul.
Special Occasions in Sabarimala Temple
Mandala Kaalam
Mandala kalam is the most awaited special occasion at Sabarimala in Kerala. It is a 41-day period of vratham and devotion, usually begins in mid-November and ending in late December. Devotees follow strict rituals during this time, including celibacy, vegetarianism, daily poojas, and wearing black and blue clothes.
The temple remains open throughout the time, and pilgrims climb the 18 sacred steps with irumudi kettu on their heads and on barefoot by chanting “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa”.
Makara Jyothi
Makara Jyothi is the most awaited event at Sabarimala. It occurs on the evening of January 14 as marking the end of the pilgrimage season. As darkness falls, thousands of devotees gather at Sabarimala and the surrounding hills to witness the celestial light called Makara Jyothi. The light appears on the Ponnambalamedu hill, which is visible from the temple.
Devotees believe that this light is a divine sign from Lord Ayyappa. On the same day, the sacred Makara Vilakku is lit inside the temple.
Vishu
Vishu, usually celebrated in the mid of April is another important special occasion at Sabarimala. Although, it is not a major pilgrimage season, the temple opens for a few days during this festival. Devotees visit the temple to have a Vishukkani Darshanam of Lord Ayyappa early in the morning.
Offerings that represent wealth and benefits for the upcoming year include rice, fruits, coins, and yellow flowers (Konna). The quiet temple during Vishu offers a peaceful time for reflection and prayer.
Sabarimala Temple Timings
The temple is not open throughout the year. Sabarimala opening dates fall between mid-November and mid-January, during the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. The temple also opens for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during special occasions like Vishu and Onam.
The temple is open early morning and late evening for darshan, with regular rituals conducted throughout the day. The schedule is as follows:
Morning
- Opening of Sanctum sanctorum, Nirmalayam, Abhishekam: 3:00 AM
- Ganapathi Homam: 3:30 AM
- Neeyyabhishekam: From 3:30 AM to 7:00 AM
- Usha Pooja: From 7:30 AM
- Neyyabhishekam: From 8:30 to 11:00 AM
- Neyyabhishekam using Ghee deposited in ‘Ney thoni’: 11:10 AM
- Ashtabhishekam (15 nos): From 11:00 to 11:30 AM
- Ucha Pooja: 12:30 PM
- Closing of Sanctum sanctorum: 1:00 PM
Evening
- 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
Dress code and Restrictions in Sabarimala Temple
Sabarimala temple has specific dress requirements and entry guidelines that devotees must follow. Male devotees should wear a black or blue mundu (which is a type of cotton cloth worn around the waist), along with a matching upper cloth. Western clothing such as shirts and trousers are strictly prohibited within the temple premises.
Those following the 41-day vratham must wear this traditional outfit throughout their entire pilgrimage. Also, they wear a sacred mala (chain of prayer beads) around their neck, usually made of tulsi and rudraksha beads.
Women of menstruating age (from 10 to 50 years) are restricted from entering the Sabarimala temple. Young girls below the age of ten and women above fifty are permitted to enter and offer prayers.
All visitors must dress modestly and maintain proper behavior inside the temple grounds. Mobile phones are prohibited in the temple and smoking is strictly forbidden. Devotees should follow queue systems and avoid rushing during darshan.
Where is Sabarimala Located in Kerala?
Sabarimala is located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, surrounded by dense forests and hills of the Western Ghats. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in South India and top Temples in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
The nearest road point is Pamba, which serves as the base camp for pilgrims. The Pamba to Sabarimala distance is around 5 kilometers, which should be covered on foot through a steep forest track.
How to Reach Sabarimala Temple?
By Rail
Chengannur is the Sabarimala nearest railway station, which is around 90 kilometers from Pamba, the base station of the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Chengannur railway station is well-connected to several major cities like Trivananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kollam. Once you reach Chengannur, you can hire a taxi or take a KSRTC bus to reach Pamba.
Other nearby railway stations include Thiruvalla (around 100 kms), Kottayam (about 115 kms), and Ernakulam (approx. 200 kms). Mostly all pilgrims prefer Chengannur because of its proximity and frequent public transport options to Pamba.
By Road
Once you reach Pamba by rail or road, the remaining distance to the Sabarimala temple should be covered on foot. It involves 5 kilometers uphill trek through the forest route. KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) runs special bus services to Pamba from cities like Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram, especially during the Mandala and Makara Vilakku seasons.
Private vehicles are allowed only up to Nilakkal, which is around 18 kilometers from Pamba from where pilgrims can board government buses.
By Air
The nearest airport to Sabarimala is the Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), which is about 170 kilometers. Cochin International Airport (COK) is also an option, which is roughly around 160 kilometers away. Both airports offer taxi, KSRTC buses, and private bus connections to reach Pamba.
Trek to the Temple
Once you reach Pamba, pilgrims should undertake a 5-kilometer upwill trekking through a forested path to reach the Sannidhanam (temple premises). The trek route has several rest areas, medical aid stations, water kiosks, and refreshment stalls. It is better to start the trek early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid heat and crowds.
Can You Book Sabarimala Temple Darshan Online?
Yes, you can book Sabarimala temple darshan online. With increasing number of pilgrims during the pilgrimage season, the Travancore Devaswom Board has simplified the process through an official portal.
The Sabarimala queue online booking systems helps in regulating the number of devotees entering the temple at specific times. Devotees can register and select their preferred darshan slots through the official website. A valid photo ID and recent photograph are required during registration. After booking, devotes receive an e-pass, which should be shown at the entry point near Pamba.
Sabarimala temple darshan online booking is important during peak pilgrimage months, usually between November and January. Early booking is recommended, as slots fill up fast. The website also offers updates on crowd status, temple timings, and special days like Mandala Pooja or Makara Jyothi.
For pilgrims looking for a place to stay, the official stay also provides options for accommodation in Sabarimala. Dormitories, rooms, and hall-type accommodations are available at Pamba and Nilakkal. These facilities are basic but they are well-maintained. Booking accommodation in advance is a better idea, especially during weekends or festival days.