Sabarimala Pilgrimmage

Sabarimala is a major Hindu pilgrim centre in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The nearest rail head is Kottayam/Chengannur.

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. Makaravilakku (Jan 14th) is the main festival day.

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.

Erumeli (38 km from Kottayam/ 36 km from Pathanamthitta)

How to Reach

The nearest Railway stations to Sabarimala are Kottayam and Chengannur. There are regular bus service during the festival season from these Railway stations. Chengannur to Pamba is 3.5 hour journey (Rs 64, 90 km) via Pathanamthitta, Vadasserikkara, Laha (Rubber Estate) and Nilakkal (high range forested route).

Chengannur - Aaranmula (8 km) - Pathanamthitta (12 km) - Vadasserikkara (12 km) - Nilakkal (16 km) - Pamba (22 km).

Kottayam to Pamba (via Erumeli) is 138 km (Rs 71), 3 hour by bus.

Kottayam - Manarcad - Pambady - Ponkunnam - Kanjirappally (NH 220). From 26 th mile, the road to Erumeli (15 km from Kanjirappally) bifurcates from the Kumily main road.

Erumeli is a small town where one can stock items for the pilgrimmage/trek. Hotel Empire is near the Masjid provides Accommodation. Uduppi Hotel serves homely food.

Ninan Masjid famous for the Chandanakkudam festival (Jan 10) and the Petta thullal (Jan 11). The entering of the masjid by Hindu devotees by chanting prayers to pay homage to a Muslim saint is an unforgettable experience. The devotees wear tiger masks, paint their face with colors and dance with wooden swords, 'gada' and small tree branches accompanied by drummers and other musical instruments. The dancing groups proceeds to Dharmashashta temple near by.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdI_uceU7C4

Sabarimala trek

There is a 45 km long forested pedestrian route from Erumeli to Pamba via Periyar Tiger Reserve. The ardous trek takes 10 hour. I started the trek at 5.20 am. The route follows the Sabarimala road, Erumeli estate and a right turn to reach Irumboonikkara temple. The road is motorable up to the temple.

From here follow the unmetaled road to reach Forest check post (One hour). From here there is forest and two small climbs on the Kalaketty route. A small tribal temple and a stream is on the way. At Kalaketty, can be accessed by road from Erumeli, there is a Shiv temple, big trees, shops and place for resting. A 1.5 km walk takes one to Azhutha river, on the Erumeli - Mundakkayam road. Cross the Azhutha river by bridge to reach Periyar Tiger Reserve. This is the right place to start the trek. Lot of devotees reach Azhutha by vehicles and start the trek.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95kJzF7bA_8

From Azhutha there is a 2 km long steep trek to Kallidamkunnu, where devotees drop pebbles with respect. It takes one more hour. There is plenty of tea shops providing 'viri' for taking rest and Gruel (kanji). I enjoyed the refreshing lemon soda (with salt) and take my first rest. From here there is a flat walk to Injippara Ayyappa shrine. From the temple, the route climbs down to reach Mukuzhi Devi temple. The temple is having road access. The forested route has huge trees worth admiration. Devotees do this ardous trek of 50 km bare footed !. One day rest is advised at Kallidamkunnu.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc_rNmd8qOA

From Mukuzhi temple, take right route to reach Karimala base. After this long walk, there are shops for tea and rest. The area is infested with wild animals. Cross a stram and start the Karimala climb. I took Gruel from a shop and had a short rest. It is an easy gradual climb to the top. On top, there is a holy stone and a donation box. From here there is a difficult descent. There is shops at the Pamba side. From here it is 2 km plane walk to Pamba. The trek took 10 hour. I took a refreshing bath in the Holy river Pamba. There was no room available. I used the Devaswom's clock room and rested in a 'viri' shop in Pamba. There is plenty of basic accommodation for the devotees. Pay and use toilets are plenty.

At 11 pm, it is the closing time of the Sabarimala temple (Nadayadakkal), I enjoyed the peace giving Harivarasanam song sung by Dr. KJ Yesudas in 1980s.

http://youtu.be/rcQCkkVKC5w

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTGZ5Y75tI8

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Pamba bathing ghat

The to and fro trek from Pamba takes 3 hour plus time taken for darshan. Pamba - Sabarimala Dolly Rs 1900 (to and fro). After the bath in the Holy river Pamba the trek begins. From Pamba Ganapathy temple it is a steep climb of Neelimala over the cemented route. Railings is a great help in the climb. 'Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa' mantra help the devotees to forget the hardships.a (throwing of small rice balls) is performed. The route further is plane and proceeds to breaking of coconut area. It is a resting place for 'Ayyappans' and the route is through an over bridge of the Swamy Ayyappan road. After this comes Sharamkuthy and the long queue starts from here to Sannidhanam. It takes 5 to 10 hour for darshan.

Security at Sabarimala Sannidhanam is provided by Rapid Action Force personnel armed with carbines, INSAS rifles and AK 47s.

Woman in the age group of 10 to 50 are not permitted to climb Sabarimala. Those not having Irumudikettu will not be permitted to ascent through the Pathinettampadi (18 holy golden steps for darshan).

Harivarasanam (7.5 minute) by Dr KJ Yesudas will be played before closing (Nadayadakkal at 11 pm) the temple. It gives bliss of peace to all the devotees.

http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/3024/sabarimala-1.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3zj20vKm-c

Sabarimala Pilgrim season of the year 2010-11 begins from 17th November 2010. Sabarimala is a major Hindu pilgrim centre located in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The nearest railhead is Kottayam/Chengannur on the Ernakulam - Thiruvananthapuram rail route. Sabarimala can be accessed by a trek from Pamba, which is well connected by road. The pilgrim centre is open for 41 days.

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ABOUT SABARIMALA

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The Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala is one of the few Hindu temples in India that is open to all faiths. Here, the emphasis is on secularism and communal harmony. Sabarimala upholds the values of equality, fraternity and also the oneness of the human soul; all men, irrespective of class, creed or race are equal before Lord Ayyappan and seemingly, to drive home this fact, the pilgrims thronging the temple complex address one another as ‘Ayyappa Swami.’

Legend has it that the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala is laid out in accordance with the instructions of the Lord himself. Consequently, Malikappurathamma is on the left of the Sannidhanam, and the Lord’s aides, Vavar and Kadutha stand vigil at the foot of the ‘pathinettu thrippadi’ the most significant 18 steps in Hinduism, leading to the ‘sanctum sanctorum.’

As Lord Ayyappan was raised by the King of Pandalam as his son, the temple at Sabarimala is looked upon as part of the Raja’s domain. And pilgrims are expected to obtain his permission before proceeding to Sabarimala. One of the King’s representatives sits on a raised platform with the royal insignia at the base of Neelimala. The Ayyappa devotees offer him a token sum and receive vibhuthi in return. The 3km ascent up the Neelimala is the steepest and the most difficult in the whole pilgrimage.

En route to Sabarimala, the pilgrims visit Erumeli Sree Dharma Shastha Temple to hold ‘Petta Thullal’ as well as Vavur’s mosque, also at Erumeli. To enter the temple complex at Sabarimala, the devotees have to climb the 18 steps or the ‘pathinettu padikal’; when compared to other prominent temples in Kerala like Guruvayoor, the shrine atop Sabarimala is relatively small.

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The temple stands on a plateau, over 40 feet high and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the valleys below. Steeped in antiquity, it was rebuilt after a massive fire in 1950. Now, the complex on Sabarimala comprises a sanctum sanctorum bearing a copper-plated roof with four golden finials at the top, two mandapams, the belikalpura housing the altar, and the ‘kodimaram’ or the flag staff.

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The Ayyappa idol within the Sannidhanam and worshipped by millions, was originally carved out of stone, however the current image of the deity is a beautiful idol of Ayyappan in panchaloha, an amalgam five metals and about one and a half feet tall.

Keywords: Ayyappa temple , Hindu temples,secularism , communal harmony, Lord Ayyappan , seemingly,Ayyappa Swami, Malikappurathamma , Sannidhanam,Vavar , Kadutha,pathinettu thrippadi, King of Pandalam , Neelimala, Ayyappa devotees, vibhuthi ,pilgrimage,Sree Dharma Shastha Temple,Petta Thullal,Vavur’s mosque, Guruvayoor, two mandapams, belikalpura ,kodimaram, flag staff,Ayyappa idol , Sannidhanam ,Ayyappan in panchaloha.

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The Sacred 18 steps : The original 18 steps at Sabarimala were granite blocks, five or six feet wide. However, they were so badly damaged by pilgrims who constantly broke coconuts on them that Travancore Devasom, the current governing body of the temple covered them with panchaloha after a lengthy Devaprashanam. The renovation work was completed in November, 1985 and now the holy steps are covered in gold.

Several myths persist regarding the significance of the Pathinettu thripadikal or the 18 holy steps, but almost all of them stress the importance of the number, 18. According to a popular belief, the first 5 steps signify the five indriyas or the senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin), the following 8 the ragas (tatwa, kama, krodha, moha, lobha, madha, matsraya, and ahamkara), the next 3 the gunas (satwa, rajas and thamas) followed by vidya and avidya. Climbing these would take the devotee closer to self-realisation. The act of crossing the 18 steps is so sacred that nobody can mount them without undertaking the rigorous 41 day fast and carrying the irumudi. It is also widely assumed that the pathinettu padikal symbolize the 18 puranas; others believe that they connote the 18 weapons with which Lord Ayyappan obliterated evil.

An Ayyappa devotee crosses the Pathinettaam padi only twice during his sojourn on Sabarimala – for entering the temple and to go downhill. Before ascending or descending the steps, pilgrims break coconut as an offering to the steps. One needs to have the sacred Irumudi on head while going up or down the 18 steps and while descending the steps the devotees climb down backwards facing the sanctum sanctorum.

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Ganapathi Kovil: Lord Ganapathi sits south-west of the main temple; the Ganapathi idol at Sabarimala is commonly referred to as Kannimula Ganapathi. And one of the special offerings to this deity is ‘Ganapathi homam.’

Bhasmakkulam: The shrine of Malikappurathama is about 100 metres away from the Sannidhanam. Bhasmakkulam/ Ash tank is situated between these two holy spots. Pilgrims braving the arduous trip to Sabarimala take a tip in the sacred waters of this tank for spiritual purification and also in memory of Tapaswini Sabari who entered a pyre to end her mortal life. Sabarimala is named after her. Bhasmakkulam is repeatedly drained and filled with fresh water, on account of the millions who bathe in it.

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Malikappurathamma: This small temple on a hillock houses the shrines of Devi (Malanada Bhagavathi) and Kaduthaswamy in addition to a trident and a lamp. Devotees offer special pujas and coconuts which contrary to common practice, are not broken, but just rolled onto the ground. The door of the shrine always remains closed and other offerings presented include betel leaves, turmeric powder, silk cloth, saffron and money. Kanikka, gun shots and lighted lamps are the offered by the worshipper to propitiate Malanada Bhagavathi.

The shrines of Nagaraja (the king of snakes) and Nagayakshi (Snake goddess) are on the right side of the temple of Malikappurathamma. Special pujas involving sarppa paattu are offered here to appease the snakes and protect devotees from the harmful effects of snakebites.

Kaduthaswamy and Karuppaswamy stand at the bottom of the Pathinettampadi (18 steps) and are the guardians of the Sannidhanam. They are dwarapalakas, ensuring that the holy steps are not polluted by pilgrims who do not undergo the rigors of the 41-day abstinence and celibacy. Also they safeguard the pious from the dark spirits of the surrounding forests.

It is held that Kadutha was a valiant warrior who helped Pandalamraja (Lord Ayyappan’s foster father) beat his archenemy Udayanan. Soon afterwards, Kadutha accompanied the Raja to Sabarimala to reconstruct the Ayyappa temple and eventually grew so attached to the Lord that he spent his remaining days in the temple and the adjoining woods.

Adjacent to the Pathinettupadi is the shrine of Vavurswami, who is believed to have been a close associate of Lord Ayyappan. Vavur was a Muslim and several versions of his association with Ayyappan persist. Originally a warrior, Vavur was defeated and subdued by Ayyappan; later he became of one of the closest confidants of the Lord. It is widely believed that Ayyappan himself instructed Pandalamraja to build a mosque for Vavur at Erumeli and a shrine at Sabarimala.

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Homakundam: In the bygone days, a large homakundam or a sacred pit burned constantly in front of the Sannidhanam. The flames were fed by the coconuts/neithenga thrown in by pilgrims, after offering the ghee within them to Lord Ayyappan. It is held that as the coconuts burn in the sacrificial fire, the pilgrims undergo a ritualistic cleansing, both of the spirit and the body. Owing to the deluge of devotees each year, the Homakundam has been moved to a spot beneath the temple.

After putting mala i made love to my wife.While making love i removed the mala Next day i took bath and asked for forgiveness and put it back. my grand mother passed away 1 month ago. what should i do?

Sabarimala Pilgrimage

The pilgrim season is going on full swing. Makarajyoti is due on January 15th, 2012. The Aravana payasam is the prasad. A 250 ml pack comes at Rs 60. Appam is also sold widely as prasad. Woman in the age group of 10 to 50 is not permitted in Sabarimala.

Thiruabharanam Yatra (3.36 kg gold ornament)

http://youtu.be/EHFMORLM7nM

As on 26.12.11, the hill temple received offerings worth Rs. 118 Crore.

The number of pilgrims has decreased compared to last year due to Mullaperiyar dam inter state water sharing issue with Tamil Nadu. A number of Malayalis were attacked in Tamil Nadu. Rare incident of attack of Tamilians were reported. Still Kerala is safe for Tamils to visit and to do business.

KSRTC is cancelling Nilackal - Pamba buses due to shortage of pilgrims (Tamils).

Secret of Makara jyoti / Manmade or divine fire

On 2011 January 14, 102 devotees were killed and more injured at Pululmedu, a place where the Jyoti can be viewed apart from Sannidhanam. Devaswom has agreed that it is fake and lighted by Adivasis in court.

http://youtu.be/L4zZvaff31I

Elaborate arrangements for Makaravilakku (Jan 15, 2012)

The Sabarimala shrine is witnessing heavy rush of pilgrims in the last two days since the temple was opened for the Makaravilakku season. Arrangements to serve medicated drinking water and biscuits to the pilgrims waiting in the queue inside the barricades along the Marakkoottom-Sannidhanam stretch of the traditional path as they have to wait in the long-winding queue even upto 15 hours during the rush days.

KSRTC to deploy 1000 buses in Pampa - Nilackal route during the Makaravilakku festival. Only KSRTC buses will be allowed in this route from 12 to 15 Jan 2012.

Ayyappa devotees on 1,800 km trek : The team comprised only 9 members at their starting point in Andheri on November 22, but when it reached Uduppi in Karnataka the numbers rose to 25. On a gruelling 52-day journey, these devotees clad in their black dress and carrying an 'irumudi', traverses nearly 40 km every day. Their target is to reach Sabarimala on 2012 January 12.

Route : Mumbai, Pune, Kohlapur, Belgaum via Khanapur reached Yellapur jungle route. From there to Kumta-Kollur Mookambika temple, Kundapura, Uduppi and Managlore, Kasargod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Guruvayur.

The head priest of Sabarimala temple today informed the Kerala High Court that he does not propose to pursue his plea to depute his grandson to assist him inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Thantri Kandararu Maheswararu had complained to the court that the Travancore Devaswom board officials had not permitted his grandson Rahul Eashwar inside the sanctum sanctum to assist him in rituals.

A police probe has found that two woman constables trekking Sabarimala as escort to the family members of a state minister violated the age-old custom of the shrine that restricts the entry of women in the 10-50 age group.

Sabarimala pilgrim season begins on 16 Nov 2012. Thanka Anki Ratha yatra starts on December 23 from Pandalam. The main day of the 41 day long festival is the Makarasamkranti/Makaravilakku on January 15th.

The temple opens at 0300 h and closes at 13.00 h and then opens again at 15.00 h and closes at 23.45 h during festival season. Daily Pooja : Nirmalyam (3 am), Neyyabhishekam (3.20 am to 11.30 am), Usha Puja (7.30 am), Ucha puja (12 noon), Deeparadhana (6.45 pm), Athazha pooja (11 pm), Harivarasanam (11.45 pm).

During Ucha puja, the 18 holy golden steps (Pathinettampadi) are washed.

Distance chart

Ernakulam to Pampa via Erumeli : 200 km
Thiruvananthapuram to Pampa : 180 km
Kottayam to Pampa via Thiruvalla : 123 km
Pathanamthitta to Pampa : 65 km

Telephone numbers

Kottayam Railway station : 0481-2563535 / 139 (Enquiry)
Pampa police : 04735 203386
Karimala Forest Control room (on traditional forest trekking route) : 04735 203492

Route to Sabarimala sannidhanam

1. The main route is via Pamba. From here devotees trek 5 km to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple.

2. Travel to Vandiperiyar from Kottayam/Tamil Nadu. KSRTC Bus & private jeeps are available up to Upputhara (20 km). Trek to Sannidhanam via pullumedu.

Sabrimala Food Price list 2012 - 2013

Food Price list

Sabarimala prasad

This year the temple has a stock of 35 lakh tins of unni Appam and aravana payasam.

Devaswom Board has arranged free food (annadan) to devotees at Malikappuram/Sannidhanam.

Pampa and Sannidhanam (Ayyappa temple) has SBT ATMs working round the clock.

Kerala High Court has directed restriction on taking photography and videography at Sannidhanam.

Temple has got security cover of NSG trained Commandos of Kerala Police, armed with AK 47s.

15 Ambulances are stationed at Pampa and Nilackal, providing 24 h service. Those who have heart ailments, Blood pressure can avail the Oxygen parlour service (10 in number) located at Pampa, Neelimala, Appachimedu, Sannidhanam. Take rest for 5 minutes after a walk of 10 minutes during the climb. Dolly service is preferable for those who have heart ailments.

Tractors are plying over concrete road to carry goods to Sannidhanam. This year Sannidhanam is free of donkeys, so more clean.

Keep Pampa, Sabarimala Sannidhanam and the trekking paths clean & Green. Avoid disturbing wild life. Fire if lighted should be put out immediately after use.
Use toilets and latrines for urination and bowel clearance.

The revenue earnings at Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple during the pilgrimage season stood at Rs 230 crore (Hundi collection + Aravana/appam sales). The pilgrim season ends on 20 Jan 2013.

Next Sabarimala Makaravilakku festival will be on 14 Jan 2014.

Sabarimala (468 m) is a major Hindu pilgrim centre in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. Pampa is 100 km away from Kottayam/ Chengannur railway station. A dip at the holy river Pampa starts the pilgrimage. A 5 km steep climb takes one to Sabarimala temple on top of the hill. The Makaravilakku festival is held on 14 Jan 2015. During the 41 day Sabarimala festival season in 2014-15, Rs 203 Crore was the Revenue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyObaVMvucI

Sabarimala pilgrims wear black dress and are known as ayyappas. Irumudi is a two compartment cloth bag carried by pilgrims on their head. Devotees perform 41 day penance of no drinks, no meat & no sex before climbing the holy hill. Devout climb the hill bare footed chanting 'swamiye saranam ayyappa'. The 18 gold plated steps called 'pathinettampadi' leads to the temple. Women at the age 10 to 50 are not permitted in Sabarimala. Aravana payasam and Appam are the main Prasadams in Sabarimala. At 11 pm, the temple closes with Harivarasanam song (recorded) sung by Dr. KJ Yesudas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGhzREvfJ5s

Dr. Vijay Mallya gold plated the roof of Sabarimala Swami Ayyappa shrine (with 1900 kg of copper and plated with 32 kg of gold) at a cost of Rs 18 Crore in 2011.

Pullumedu route from Vandiperiyar is a traditional forest route of the Sabarimala pilgrims. This is preferred by pilgrims from Tamil Nadu due to it's easy access. From Vandiperiyar, jeep is available up to Sathram during the pilgrim season. From there pilgrims have to make a 5 km plain walk to reach Pullumedu. Then proceed to the wireless station and climb down the hill to reach Sabarimala.

From Sabarimala, climb the hill through dense forest infested with wild elephants to Pullumedu (3 hour). A further 2 hour walk takes one to Sathram from where Jeep is available to Vandiperiyar (on Mundakayam - Kumily highway).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE8x2bBqXcc