Sabarimala Pilgrimmage

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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.



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.

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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.

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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.