Sabarimala Temple – Pathanamthitta, Kerala

Sabarimala Temple, located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, is one of the most revered and visited pilgrimage sites in India. Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, this ancient hill shrine is nestled within the lush forests of the Western Ghats. Every year, millions of devotees undertake a rigorous and spiritually intense journey to reach the temple, especially during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season (November to January). The pilgrimage is marked by strict observances, symbolizing devotion, discipline, and equality, as people from all walks of life come together for a shared spiritual experience.

About Sabarimala Temple

Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in India. Situated atop Sabarimala Hill at approximately 3,000 feet above sea level in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, the temple is surrounded by 18 hills within the Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is one of the largest annual pilgrimage destinations globally, attracting millions of devotees each year.

Temple Speciality

Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu).

The temple follows strict vratham (austerity) for 41 days before pilgrimage, requiring devotees to practice celibacy, vegetarianism, and meditation.

The climb includes 18 sacred steps, each symbolizing an important aspect of spirituality.

The temple is open to all religions, promoting unity and secularism.

Women aged 10-50 years are restricted from entering the temple.

Temple Address

Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple,

Sabarimala, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India.

Location Coordinates: 9.4386° N, 77.0706° E

Temple Timings

The temple opens during specific seasons and on special days:

Mandala Pooja Season: Mid-November to December 26

4:00 AM - 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Makaravilakku Festival (January 14):

4:00 AM - 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Monthly Poojas (First 5 days of each Malayalam month):

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

(Timings may vary during festivals and special occasions.)

Temple Sevas (Offerings and Rituals)

Neyyabhishekam: Anointing the deity with ghee brought by devotees.

Udayasthamana Pooja: A continuous pooja from sunrise to sunset.

Kalabhabhishekam: Offering sandalwood paste to the deity.

(For more details and bookings, visit: sabarimala.kerala.gov.in)

Travel Facilities

By Road:

Devotees can travel by bus or taxi to Pamba, the base station.

From Pamba, a 5 km uphill trek leads to the temple.

By Train:

Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur Railway Station (85 km from the temple).

Pilgrims can take buses or taxis from Chengannur to Pamba.

By Air:

Cochin International Airport (160 km)

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (170 km)

After arrival, take a train or road transport to Pamba.

Nearby Transport Hubs

Nearest Bus Station: Pamba Bus Station

Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur Railway Station (85 km)

Nearest Airport: Cochin (160 km), Thiruvananthapuram (170 km)

Accommodation & Food Facilities

Food:

Annadanam (Free Food Service) is provided by temple authorities.

Restaurants and stalls in Pamba and Nilakkal offer vegetarian meals.

Stay:

Lodging available at Nilakkal and Pamba (basic dormitories, hotels).

Advance booking recommended during peak season.

(For bookings, check Kerala Tourism or temple’s official website.)

Nearby Cities

Pathanamthitta (70 km)

Kottayam (120 km)

Kochi (160 km)

Nearby Temples & Places to Visit

Malayalapuzha Devi Temple: Famous for its Bhadrakali idol.

Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple: Dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Pandalam Palace: Related to Lord Ayyappa’s history.

Best Time to Visit

The most popular pilgrimage seasons are:

Mandala Pooja (November – December

Makaravilakku (January)

Monthly First 5 Days (Malayalam Calendar)

Shopping at Sabarimala

Mala (Holy Beads): Worn by devotees during the vratham period.

Aravana Payasam & Appam: Famous temple prasadam.

Sandalwood Paste & Kumkum: Common religious items.

Brass and Copper Utensils: Used for rituals.

Handicrafts & Wooden Artifacts: Kerala-style souvenirs.

Spices: Cardamom, black pepper, and cloves from Kerala’s spice markets.

Sabarimala Temple stands as a symbol of devotion, faith, and discipline, drawing millions of devotees from across the world. The pilgrimage fosters a sense of unity, irrespective of caste, creed, or social status, as all devotees wear black or blue attire and walk barefoot as a mark of humility. While the temple has been at the center of social debates regarding tradition and modernity, it continues to uphold its spiritual significance and remains a beacon of devotion for Lord Ayyappa's followers. The journey to Sabarimala is not just a physical pilgrimage but a deeply spiritual experience that instills inner peace and self-discipline in devotees.