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Sabarimala
Temple - Kerala
Location
:
Western Ghats, Kerala
Dedicated
To :
Lord Ayyappa
Altitude
:
914 m Above Sea Level
Main
Festival :
Sabarimala Temple Festival
Sabarimala
is a renowned pilgrim centre atop the rugged hills of the Western
Ghats. This holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The sanctum
sanctoram nestles 914 m above sea level, amidst the virgin forest
wilderness of the Western Ghats.
The
Village of Sabarimala is named after Shabari who did severe penance
in order to meet Rama who granted her wish for her devotion and
faith during her penance.
The main pilgrimage is undertaken between November and January.
Regardless of caste, creed, colour, they wear black dhotis and carry
on their heads, bundles containing traditional offerings like
coconut filled with ghee, camphor and rice.
The
Main Festival: Sabarimala is one of the most important
Hindu temples of Kerala. The Sabarimala Temple festival is
celebrated in honour of Lord Ayyapan who is revered by all in India.
There are two main pujas called the Mandal Puja and the Makara
Sankranti Puja, which are celebrated from November to Middle of
January in Kerala, during which time the devotees perform
austerities and penance.
The
Penance: Devotees undergo rigorous penance and austere
living before starting on the pilgrimage. Devotees wear black
'dhotis' and are bare-chested as they prepare for the pilgrimage to
Sabarimala.
The
temple is at the top of the Neeli hills and the devotees have to
climb the treacherous route carrying their meagre provision in a
bundle called "Iru Mudi" meaning in "two folds".
The distance from the base of the hill to the top takes about three
days to cover and the most important part of the pilgrimage are the
final 18 steps, which lead to the temple. The temple dome is covered
with gold and the devotees break the coconuts before climbing the
steps.
An
Unmatched Instance of Religious Tolerance:
Opposite the
main temple complex, there is a smaller temple for the Muslim god
called Wavar, who is an ally of Lord Ayyapa.
Signifying religious tolerance and harmony of the olden days, the
devotees pay obeisance to Lord Wavar, on their way to the main
temple. After the devotees complete their pujas and offerings, they
return to the base of the hill and return to their homes.
The
people making the pilgrimage for the first time are known as "Kanni
Swamys" and the person leading the group is known as 'Guru
Swamy' or the lead person of a team who is incharge of all the
rituals.
Devotees
take a ritual bath, while climbing up the hill in the holy river
Pamba, which is believed to absolve one's sins.
Restricted
Entry At The Festival Time: Only young girls who have not
attained womanhood and old women who have reached menopause are
allowed to worship at this time.
The men
must vow to walk bare foot, not cut their nails and hair, sleep on
the floor and practise absolute abstinence during the period of
their penance.
How
to Get There: Transportation is available upto Pamba,
from where one has to travel a distance of 5 kms on foot. Devotees
undertake rigorous penance, ritualistic vows and fasts before they
visit the temple.
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Guruvayoor
Temple || Irinjalakuda
KoodalManikyam Temple || Padmanabha
Swami Temple
Kodungallur
Bhagavathy Temple || Vadakkunnathan
Temple
Sabarimala
Temple
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