Sabarimala

About Sabarimala

Sabarimala - Sabarimala Sree Ayyappaswamy Temple


Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, the Sabarimala Temple is not only one of the most famous religious tourist destinations in India but also one of the most visited temples in the country. It is the second-largest shrine located in the 18 hills of the Western Ghat range in Pathanamthitta District. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, who is said to have been born from the union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu’s female avatar, Mohini. He is also known as Hariharputra. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations to visit in South India. With its historical significance, the temple is sure to excite you with some of its lesser-known facts. For instance, were you aware that the dakshina that is offered to the priests of the temple is in crores of rupees? and the quality of the prasad is checked by the Central Food Technical Research Institute. Well, there are more such interesting facts that have been mentioned in the blog below. So, let us quickly take a look at some of the interesting facts about Sabarimala Temple that you probably didn’t know.


The deity of this ancient Hindu temple in Kerala is Lord Ayyappa, a Brahmachari who practiced celibacy. The history of Sabarimala Temple reveals that male devotees are opposed to the idea of letting women belonging to the menstrual age group between 10 and 50 years enter the temple. This rule has been followed in the temple for the past 1500 years.


The devotees who are planning for the Sabarimala Temple Tour must follow some rules. While entering the holy shrine, devotees are supposed to follow a specific color code, which should be either black or blue. Also, they are even seen smearing Vibhuti (the ash of the incense sticks) or sandalwood paste on their foreheads while performing the pilgrimage.


The temple is related to the history of Lord Ayyappa and is believed to have been constructed on the land where he killed Mahishi, who was a buffalo-faced demon and the sister of the demon Mahishasura.


The literal meaning of Makara Jyothi is a star that is worshipped by people who follow Hinduism and are devotees of the Sabarimala temple. Also, it is believed by the devotees that Lord Ayyappa himself blesses them in the form of a star. It is those rare days other than the ordinary days when the temple complex is open between November 15 and December 26 and April 14. Tourists can even make a visit during the first five days of the Malayalam calendar.

These were some of the fascinating facts that are related to Ayyappa Temple, one of the popular pilgrimage destinations in Kerala. The temple is definitely worth a visit, as it brings the devotees closer to God. If you are seeking the peace and blessing of Lord Ayyappa, then head to Kerala, where you can witness the power of faith.

Timing: The temple opens during rare days of Makara Jyothi


Speciality of Sabarimala

  • The practice of celibacy by the devotees has been in place for 1500 years
  • Devotees follow a specific color code
  • The temple is situated where Lord Ayyappa killed the demoness Mahishi
  • The temple is nestled amid 18 hills and has 18 stairs
  • There is a mosque in the vicinity of the temple
  • The temple got its name from the epic Ramayana
  • Devotees need to follow a strict fasting ritual before entering the temple
  • Devotees have to follow certain rules while undertaking the Sabarimala Temple tour
  • Pilgrims follow the ritual called Neyyabhishekam
  • The Prasadam served also represents a local delicacy
  • The prominent Hindu temple is the largest pilgrimage in the world

1. Sabarimala



Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples in Kerala.

2. Sabarimala



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, and 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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