Sabarimala Temple

One of the important pilgrimage centers of India is Lord Ayappa’s Temple in Sabrimala. The Tour to Sabrimala is a much awaited journey for the devotees as well as the pilgrims. The temple of Lord Ayappa is one of the most famous and richest temples of Kerala. Nestled amidst the Sahya ranges of Western Ghats, the Lord Ayappa Temple attracts people from all castes and creeds.However during Thiruvabharanam, the journey to God is not merely a long and difficult one but one has to do renunciation of several things to perform the Pujas or visit the Sabrimala Temple.The major events of Sabrimala Kerala are Mandalapooja on 15th November and Makaravilakku on 14th January. Pilgrims from different places come to Sabrimala on these occasions to see their favorite Lord Ayappa.

Location of Sabrimala:

• Nearest Airport to Sabrimala:

Trivandrum Airport is 92km away from Sabrimala.

• Nearest Railway Station:

Chengannur Railway Station which is 28 km from Pathanamthitta.

• Best Time to Visit:

The best time to take a tour to Sabrimala is from to November to January. On 15th November and 14th January two major festivals are held in Sabrimala and tourists generally arrive during this time. The season during December to February is really dry while March to May is the hottest months.

History:

This shrine of Lord Ayappa located in Sabrimala is considered to be one of the important pilgrimage centers of India. This shrine is considered to be holy amongst the devotees who overcome this hilly terrain to reach Sabrimala.

Sabrimala is called to be the revered place where Lord Ayappa started meditating after killing Mahishashura. Legends say that Ayappa was adopted into the Pandalam Royal Family and this was the place where he grew up. It is believed he was the avatar of Dharmasatha.

The temple was built by the Royal family of Pandalam. Take a tour to Sabrimala and learn more about the divine powers of Lord Ayappa.

Tourist Attractions:

A tour to Sabrimala Temple is not all, tourists can visit the other tourist attractions of the place.

• Sabrimala Temple Festivals:

Devotees from all over during November and January start a procession and assemble in Sabrimala to celebrate the Sabrimala Temple Festival. Held during Makar Sankranti and November, the Sabrimala Temple Festival is considered to be an important event.

• Aazhipooja:

The Aazhipooja celebrates the ascetic frame of mind of the pilgrims who undergo through a process of renunciation before they embark on a journey to the Sabrimala Temple. It is observed on the day before setting out on a holy journey.

• Petta Thullal:

The Petta Thullal is a colorful event that occurs during the holy journey in Erumeli. Here the devotees paint themselves with stripes of ashes, colors and carbon and don an unique look with arrows, clubs, fruits and bundles on their head. The chanting and the drumbeats add to the color of the ceremony.

A tour to Sabrimala is incomplete without these tourist attractions and these are a must watch.

How to Reach:

• Nearest Airport to Sabrimala:

Trivandrum Airport is 92km away from Sabrimala.

• Nearest Railway Station:

Chengannur Railway Station which is 28 km from Pathanamthitta.