About Sabarimala Temple in Kerala
It is dedicated to Ayyappa is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples in Kerala. The temple is situated on a top hill ( about 3000 feet above ocean level) named Sabarimala. it is one of the largest annual pilgrimage sites in the world with approximately of over 4 to 5 crores of devotees visiting every year. The temple is dedicated to the deity Ayyappan also known as Dharma Shasta, the son of Shiva, and mohini the feminine form of Vishnu.
Sabarimala temple address:-
It is located at Sabarimala Hill inside the Periyar tiger reserve in the period village, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India. It’s surrounded by mountains and dense forests. The dense forest part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve around the temple is known as Poonkaavanam.
Construction of Sabarimala temple:-
its was Founded by lord Parshuram and it is one of the five sastha temple founded by him. The trek to Sabarimala is a test of endurance and faith, with devotees braving steep hills, dense forests, and unpredictable weather conditions. The sacred path, known as the “Pamba to Sannidhanam,” is adorned with prayer chants, devotional songs, and the aroma of incense, creating an atmosphere of divine grace and tranquility. the temple because of geographical reasons but King Rajasekhra Pandian found the real path to the temple in the 12th century AD.
The Sanctum Sanctorum :
At the heart of Sabarimala lies the sanctum sanctorum, where the idol of Lord Ayyappa stands in all its divine splendor. The deity is adorned with sacred ornaments and offerings, symbolizing the devotee’s reverence and devotion. The darshan (sighting) of Lord Ayyappa fills the hearts of pilgrims with a sense of peace and fulfilment, reaffirming their faith in the divine.
The Pilgrimage:
The pilgrimage to Sabarimala is not merely a physical journey but a spiritual quest for self-discovery and enlightenment. Devotees, known as Ayyappans, observe strict vows and rituals, including a 41-day penance known as the “Vratham.” The journey culminates with the trek through the rugged terrain of the Western Ghats, symbolizing the path to spiritual elevation and liberation.
The Unity in Diversity:
Sabarimala Temple transcends barriers of caste, creed, and religion, welcoming devotees from all walks of life. The pilgrimage is a testimony to the spirit of unity and brotherhood, where people come together in pursuit of a common goal – spiritual upliftment. Regardless of one’s social status or background, all are equal in the eyes of Lord Ayyappa.
How to reach out to The Sabarimala Temple Kerala?
Sabarimala temple in the Kerala District of Pathanamthitta Sabarimala is situated 72 km from Pathanamthitta town, 191 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 210 km from Kochi.
Distance By Air
Pilgrims can reach Thiruvananthapuram or Kochi by air 173 Km approximately 1 hour 25 min. Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram by air 2237 km approximately time 3 hours 22 min. Delhi to Kochi distance by air 2080 km approximately time 3 hours 11 min.
By Road
Delhi to Kochi distance by Road 2688 km approximately time 41 hours 10 min. Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram by Road 2848 km approximately time 49 hours 11 min.
By Train
Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram by Train 2234 km approximately time 41 hours 19 min. Delhi to Kochi by train 2811 km approximately time 41 hours 11 min.
By Car
New Delhi to Sabarimala mandir distance 2800.6 km approximately time 48hour
Geographic coordinates: 9°26’04.6”N 77°04’53.0”E/9.434611°N 77.081389°E
Weather –February is a good time to visit Sabarimala Mandir. usually very warm, comfortable, with temperature range from 67-91°F (19-33°C).
Sabarimala temple worship time
The shrine will open every day at 3 am and devotees can have till 1 pm. Then Reopening at 4 pm, the shrine will be closed for the day at 11 pm with the recital of Harivarasanam.
Hotel near Sabarimala temple
- Amaana plantation resort-18.1 km from the temple
- Niraamaya Retreats cardamom ,thekkady-19.8 km from Sabarimala mandir
- KTDC Lake palace- 16.7 km from Sabarimala mandir
- Misty plantation resort-18.7 km from Sabarimala mandir
- The Mountain courtyard-20.2 km from the mandir
- Aranya nivas ktdc-19.3 km from Sabarimala mandir
- Paradise Nature Resort – 18.2 km from the mandir
- Green veil cottages-13.6 km from Sabarimala mandir
- Hostess thekkady-19.3 km from Sabarimala mandir
- Springdale heritage-20.7 km from the mandir
Online Booking:
Some of the guest houses may allow online booking in advance, providing convenience for those planning their visit. Devotees can check the temple’s official website or other online platforms for availability and booking procedures.
Rooms and Facilities:
The guest houses typically offer various types of rooms ranging from single occupancy to family suites. Basic amenities such as beds, bathrooms, and sometimes air conditioning or fans are provided. Additionally, some guest houses may have dining facilities or access to nearby eateries.
Reservation:
It’s advisable to inquire about accommodation availability and make reservations in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons or festivals when there’s a high room demand.
Alternative Accommodation:
In addition to the guest houses operated by the temple, there are also hotels and lodges in the vicinity of the temple complex that offer accommodation options for visitors. These may vary in terms of price, comfort, and amenities.
There are many attractions near Sabarimala Temple that you can choose to visit
The topmost sights places in Sabarimala are
1-Ayyappa temple- The western Ghats and is 72 km from Pathanamthitta town in kerala.
2-Makaravilakku Festival-Makaravilkku is a religious festival of kerala celebrated annually in the famous sabarimala mandir.
3-Malikkappuram Devi temple-Malikapuram temple is situated on a small hill just 100 meters away from Sabarimala Mandir.
4-Vavar Mosque – The distance between vavar mosque to Sabarimala is 46 km by road
5-Pampa Ganapathy temple – The distance between pampa Ganapathy to sabarimala 8 km.
FAQ’S
- Why is Sabarimala powerful:- The temple is a symbol of secularity and has a strong connection with Islam.
- Why are females not allowed in Sabarimala:- Some Hindu women believe that Ayyappan himself placed restrictions on women entering the temple because he wanted to be celibate and the presence of women distract him from this cause.
- Who is Ayyappa’s best friend:- Vavar swami is a legendary figure from Kerala he is a celebrated Muslim acquaintance of the Hindu deity Ayappan.
- Do Muslims visit Sabarimala:- The Sabarimala pilgrimage includes a unique tradition of offering prayer at the mosque of Vavar a Muslim devotee of Ayappan.
Participate in Sabarimala temple to fulfill all your wishes:-
Over all the Sabarimala Mandir is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and its cultural and historical significance makes it an important landmark in the region. Check out various online puja and services provided by devdham yatra.com and get your booking done in one click. if you want to know more about Indian culture, Indian temple ,puja, and festivals then download the Devdham Yatra app.
