Sabarimala Sri Dharma Sastha (Ayyappa) Temple
Also known as: சபரிமலை ஐயப்பன் கோயில் · శబరిమల అయ్యప్ప ఆలయం · सबरीमाला अयप्पा मंदिर
Kerala Ayyappan
A hill shrine of Ayyappan in the Western Ghats, reached after a 41-day vratham and the climb of the eighteen holy steps.
- Deity
- Ayyappan (Dharma Sastha)
- Tradition
- Ayyappan
- Place
- Sabarimala, Pathanamthitta
- State
- Kerala
- Sacred tank / theertham
- Pamba river
Sthala Puranam
Ayyappan is worshipped as the son of Shiva and Mohini (Vishnu), born to destroy the demoness Mahishi. The Ayyappan stories tell of his upbringing in the Pandalam palace and his promise to stay at Sabarimala.
Speciality
- Eighteen holy steps (Pathinettam Padi) lead to the sanctum.
- Devotees keep a 41-day vratham: simple food, a sacred mala, plain dark clothes, and carry an irumudi kettu (a two-part bundle) on their heads.
- The main pilgrimage is the Mandala–Makaravilakku season, November to January. The temple opens at other times only on the first days of each Malayalam month and on special occasions.
Festivals
- Mandala Pooja (December)
- Makaravilakku (Makara Sankranti, January)
- Vishu
How to reach
By airKochi and Thiruvananthapuram are the nearest airports, each a few hours away.
By trainChengannur is the nearest station; Kottayam is another.
By roadBuses run to Pamba, from where the climb to the temple begins. Erumeli is the starting point of the traditional forest route.
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- Darshan is booked through the official online virtual queue. Check the Travancore Devaswom Board for current rules and dates.
- Entry rules for women of a certain age group have been before the courts. Follow the Devaswom Board's current guidance.
Prayers for this temple
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed above. If you find a mistake, please tell us.