Sabarimala is situated 72 km from Pathanamthitta town, 191 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 210 km from Kochi. It is the ‘Sacred Abode of Lord Ayyappa’ and one of the most important Hindu pilgrim centre in the country.The traditional route to Sabarimala is from Erumeli (40 km.). Other routes are from Vandiperiyar, Uppupara and Chalakkayam via Plappally.
These routes are famous for these scenic splendour and mythological value. Sabarimala – The holy shrine is located amidst dense forests in the rugged terrains of Western Ghats. Inhabited by various wildlife species. Millions of pilgrims from all over the Country assemble here during the most arduous festivals called as ‘Vishu Vilakku’ in April, ‘Mandalapooja’, in the months of Vrichikam Dhanu (Nov. – Dec) and ‘Makaravilakku’ in mid January, coinciding with Sankramam.
Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples in Kerala.
The temple is situated on a hilltop (about 3000 feet above sea level) named Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district, which is unique. The temple is open to people belonging to all religions. There is a place near the temple; east of Sannidhanam (the abode of Lord Ayyappa), dedicated to Vavar (a close friend of Lord Ayyappa) which is called Vavaru Nada, an epitome of religious harmony. Another unique aspect of this temple is that it is not open throughout the year. It is open for worship only during the days of Mandalapooja, Makaravilakku, Vishu and also during the first day of every Malayalam month.
It is said that the pilgrims have to observe celibacy for 41 days before going to Sabarimala. Pilgrims take the traditional forest routes as well as the one from Pamba which is less physically challenging to reach the temple.
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