Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple - One Of The Largest Annual Pilgrimages In The World - Kerala - India

Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is situated on a hilltop about 3000 feet above sea level named Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district of Indian state Kerala. Estimated over 100 million devotees visiting every year. There are huge numbers of devotees visiting on the festival of Makaravilakku which is celebrated on 14th January every year.

Location: Swamy Ayyappan Road, Pampa Triveni, Sabarimala, Kerala India
Dedicated to: Lord Ayyappa
Significance: Holy pilgrimage of the Hindus
Festivals: Makaravilakku or "Makar Sankranti" and Maha Vishuva Sankranti

One of the most famous pilgrim centres in India Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is situated on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 914 m above sea level and is accessible only by foot from Pampa is just 4 km from the temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The journey to the temple is to be taken through foot in the forest as the vehicles can go only up to Pampa (4 km). Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is surrounded by dense forest which also houses the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Every year millions of people visit to Sabarimala temple with singing slogans on Lord Ayyappa, take bathe in holy river Pampa, climb up the eighteen steps and get the grace of Lord Ayyappa.

The legend of the temple is Lord Ayyappa meditated at this place after killing the dominant demoness Mahishi. Some legends also say that Parashuram, who created Kerala, installed the idol of Lord Ayyappa and worshipped him. The reason why devotees flock here is because Sabarimala is generally believed to be the place where Ayappa meditated after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi. One who crosses these 18 steps is said to have attained “Punyadarshanam”. In January every year, thousands of devotees gather at Sabarimala to view the “Makaravilaku” or divine flame that is visible during one particular day of the Makara star. An amazing fact about Sabarimala Temple is that this shrine is open to people from all religions, castes, creed or color.

The Pilgrimage Rule for Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

Here is the information about The devotees are expected to follow a Sabarimala Vratham prior to the pilgrimage. After following strict 41 day Vratham (Fast) a devotee can start his journey to Sabarimala. Not everyone can take a tour to Sabarimala Kerala. One needs to observe strict discipline.

Dos and Dont's While Taking Sabarimala Vratham

1. The devotees should follow 41 days of strict fast before starting their pilgrimage to Sabarimala.
2. Wearing a special mala made by rudraksha and Tulasi beads.
3. Must wear plain Blue or Black or Saffron colored dress.
4. He should lead a bachelor life even though he is married.
5. Do not eat Non-Veg food, drink Alcohol, should not smoke, should not cut his hair or shave his beard.
6. Do not wear the footwear.
7. Take bath twice a day.
8. Visit the local temples regularly.
9. Do not attend any social function like birthdays, engagement, and wedding, etc
10. Must follow brahmacharya (continence), refrain from sex and treat all women with motherly feeling.

Festival Programme Time Table At Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

The festivals celebrated in Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is Mandalapooja, Maha Vishuva Sankranti and Makaravilakku or "Makar Sankranti" .

• Mandalapooja (approximately 15 November to 26 December)
• Makaravilakku or "Makar Sankranti" (14 January)
• Maha Vishuva Sankranti (14 April)

Entry Fee And Other Charges For Visit Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

There are no entry fee and other charge for visit temple and photography also videography not allowed here.

Timing For Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

The Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is open for worship only during some selective days like Mandalapooja that is approximately fall between 15-Nov to 26-Dec, Makaravilakku or Makara Sankranti falls on 14th January every year and Vishu 14th April every year. Also Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is open for worship at first five days of each Malayalam month. Women between the age group of 10 and 50 strictly not allowed inside the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple.

• Timing: 4.00 AM - 11.00 PM

Best Time To Visit Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

Every year millions of people visit The Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. November to January is the Best Time To Visit Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple because The temple is closed while other days. The annual pilgrim season of Sabarimala starts from the middle of November to the middle of January. September to April can also be an ideal time to visit as it is soon after the monsoon season and before the peak Summer season.

• Best time to visit:  4:00 AM to 7:00 AM

Tourist Attractions Near Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

Vavar Shrine dedicated to a Muslim saint known as Vavaru Swamy and Malikappuram Devi Temple is also associated with the legend of Sabarimala are the main tourist attractions near Sabrimala Temple. Mathur Ganapathi temple, Thaliparamba temple, Kozhikode Thali and Sree Valayanad temple, Katampuzha temple, Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple and many more temples located near Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple.

Shopping Near Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

There are no many shopping options are available near Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple but Shopping in Kerala is as exciting as touring the mystical place. Kerala is famous for its local crafts and you will find a traditional touch in each and every craft item in Kerala.

Restaurants Near Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

The trek upwards for 4.5 kms and is quite steep and if you are not a regular, you can make regular stops at the path side refreshment stops offering place to sit and can have some fruits/Lime Juice, soda etc. Here is the list of some Restaurants which are very closed from Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple.

Thattukada
Thattukadaa, Boat Jetty Rd, Ernakulam, Kerala, India

Hotel Kerela Restaurant
Muniri Puzha,Muniri Puzha

Kunjar Restaurant
Hotel Tigers Roare' Near Entrance Gate, Thekkady

Hotels Near Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

Here is the list of some famous and popular hotels which are very closed from Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple.

Paradisa Plantation Retreat 3.0 Star Hotel
Murinjapuzha P.O. , Idukki District, Thekkady
16.9 km from Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

Edassery Resort Kattapana
Kumily Road, Kattappana, Idukki
17.0 km from Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

ABAD Green Forest Resort 3.0 Star Hotel
Opp. R.C Church, Thekkady jn.kumily
20.7 km from Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

How to Reach Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

By Air:

There are two airports that are near Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple at Trivandrum (170 kilometers) and Cochin (200 kilometers).

By Rail:

The nearest railway station from Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is at Kottayam and Chengannur.

By Road:

Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is well connected to Kerala by a wide network of roads.

Google Map For Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple