Sabarimala Mandir, Kerala, IN

Deity: Lord Ayyappa
Location: Western Ghats, Kerala
Significance: Holy pilgrimage of the Hindus
Altitude: 914m above Sea Level
Main Festival: Sabarimala Temple Festival

Sabarimala is the most famous pilgrim centre in Kerala. Located at village of Sabarimala, Sri Ayyappa Temple falls in the eastern part of Kerala bordered by Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Situated at an altitude of 914 m above the sea level. Lord Ayyappa who is believed to be the union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. According to local beliefs, Lord Parasurama enshrined the deity at the foot of Sabari hills whose reference is also found in Ramayana. It is believed to be the place where Lord Ayyapa meditated soon after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi. It is situated on a hilltop and is surrounded by mountains and dense forest. This temple is unique in many respects.

One is that the temple is open to all irrespective of caste, creed or religion. There is a place near the temple (east to Sannidhanam) dedicated to the Vavar called "Vavarunada".

This is an epitome of religious harmony. Suggesting the religious tolerance, the tour to Sabarimala is said to be incomplete without the worship of Lord Vavar. From Sabarimala Temple, People can also see Makara Vilakku, which is a holy light on the close by hill. This light is regarded as a sign of the divine presence. Another fact is that it is not open throughout the year. It is open for worship, only during the days of Mandalapooja, Makaravilakku and Chitra Vishnu. The pilgrims have to follow fasting for many days and the journey to the temple is to be taken through difficult paths in the forest as the vehicles can go only up to Pampa. The dome of Sabarimala Temple is covered with gold.

As legend goes it was in the Sabarimala village that Shabari prayed and worshipped Lord Rama and fed him sweet jungle berries when he visited her. According to another legend the Sabarimala temple was established by Lord Parasurama and it is believed that he personally dedicated this temple to the worship of Lord Ayyappa.Sabari was a devout of Lord Rama and her devotion is widely attributed to that of an ideal devotee.

Sabarimala Temple Tour is strenuous and passes through the thick forests of the Sahyadri Mountains. It takes 3 days from the base of the hill to reach the temple.

Festival:
Sabarimala is one of the most important Hindu temples of Kerala. The Sabarimala Temple festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Ayyapa who is revered by all in India. There are two main pujas called the Mandal Puja and the Makar Sankranti Puja, which are celebrated from November to Middle of January in Kerala, during which time the devotees perform austerities and penance. People visiting Sabarimala during the festival are supposed to observe strict self-discipline while on pilgrimage. A majority of the pilgrims are men who have to observe fast for forty days, celibacy, growing a beard and daily prayer rituals. Young girl’s women also undertake the pilgrimage trip to Sabarimala.

How to reach:
by Road: One can easily reach Sabarimala Temple by taking Regular Buses or by hiring Taxis from Kerala.
by Rail: Nearest Railway stations to Sabarimala are Kottayam and Chengannur.
by Air: The nearest airports are located at Thiruvanathapuram and Kochi at a distance of 115 kms and 106 kms from Sabarimala.

Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

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