Kerala is a land of temples; perhaps the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala is Sabarimala, high up in the Sahyadri Mountains (Western Ghats). 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. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad.
The shrine gets thronged with devotees especially during the main pilgrim season from November to January.
Mandala pooja (November16,2009) and Makaravilakku(Jan.14th) are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).
Certain customs are to be strictly observed if one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. 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.
Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and each carry a cloth bundle called Irumudi kettu containing traditional offerings. Unlike certain Hindu temples, Sabarimala temple has no restrictions of caste or creed. The temple is open to males of all age groups and to women who have either passed their fertility age and those before reaching the stage of puberty.
The easiest route is via Chalakkayam, by which one can reach the banks of the river Pamba by vehicle. Pamba is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. From here one has to trek 4 to 5 kms to reach the temple.
For Standard Schedule of Rituals at Sabarimala Temple
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For photo gallery click here
To Reach Sabarimala
By Rail:
The pilgrims can reach Kottayam & Chengannur by Railway (Broad gauage) and Punalur (Metre Gauage) and from there by bus to Pampa.
Click here for train timings
By Air:
The pilgrims can reach Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi & Nedumbassery by Air and from there reach Pampa by bus/car.
By Road:
Distance: | ||
| From | To | Distance |
| Erumeli | Pampa | 56 Kms. |
| Kottayam | Erumeli | 72 Kms |
| Kottayam | Pampa | 128 Kms. |
| Chengannoor | Pampa | 93 Kms. |
| Thiruvalla | Pampa | 99 kms |
| Ernakulam | Pampa (via) Kottayam | 200 Kms. |
| Alleppy | Pampa (via) A.C. Road | 137 Kms. |
| Punalur | Pampa | 105 Kms. |
| Pathanamthitta | Pampa | 69 Kms. |
| Pandalam | Pampa | 84 kms. |
| Thiruvananthapuram | Pampa | 175 Kms. |
| Ernakulam | Erumeli (via) Palai, Ponkunnam | 175 Kms. |
KSRTC has started operating buses to Palani and Thenkashi from Pampa for the convenience of the Sabarimala pilgrims. Besides, the Govt. of Tamil Nadu has been given the permission to operate 20 buses from different parts of Tamil Nadu to Pampa. A chain service exists between Pampa and Nilackal base camp. | ||
K.S.R.T.C Bus fare from Pampa | ||
| Pampa | Pathanamthitta | Rs. 44 |
| Pampa | Kottayam | Rs. 74 |
| Pampa | Erumely | Rs. 35 |
| Pampa | Ernakulam | Rs.114 |
| Pampa | Chengannoor | Rs. 58 |
| Pampa | Kottarakkara | Rs.65 |
| Pampa | Kumily | Rs. 92 |
| Pampa | Thiruvananthapuram | Rs. 104 |
| Pampa | Pandalam | Rs. 53 |
| Pampa | Attingal | Rs.90 |
| Pampa | Kilimanoor | Rs. 82 |
| Pampa | Guruvayoor | Rs. 164 |
| Pampa | Thrissur | Rs. 145 |
| Pampa | Adoor | Rs. 54 |
Videos
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4464002209173454296#
www.youtube.com/watch?v=legH7DDmrIc
