Sabarimala Temple

There are various prominent temples in India. These temples are so well known that millions of devotees both from within and outside the nation throng to see the god. One such temple is the Sabarimala Temple.

This temple is nestled in the Sabari Hills. The Sabari Hills are a part of the Western Ghats and are located in Kerala. This particular temple attracts more than 3 million devotees every year.

Sabarimala is situated 115 kms from the capital state Trivandrum. The hilly mountains from River Pampa prohibit traffic to ply. Hence it is covered on foot. The children, seniors and physically disabled are facilitated to travel on carried chairs.

This temple is dedicated to Lord Ayappa. Legend says that Lord Vishnu disguised as Mohini appeared to destroy Bhasmasura, the demon, where Lord Shiva got captivated in the femininity of Mohini and resulted in the origin of Ayappa. However, Lord Shiva handed the child to Pandya King Rajasekara and this king decided to crown Ayappa as the Prince.

The queen was reluctant to crown him as the prince and pretended to be sick. She asked Ayappa to get tigress milk. The blessings of celestial beings helped him and the foster parents were left ashamed. His parents sought pardon and in regard to that Lord Ayappa agreed to stay in the temple near the king on the Sabari Hills and to appear on the Makara Jyothi day.

The Sabarimala temple follows stringent rules and regulations even today.

Women after puberty and prior to menopause are restricted. Similarly, tourists and foreigners are strictly prohibited from entering the temple.

Devotees entering the temple should practice severe rigor with 41 days fast. They should not wear footwear, sleep on straw mats, no pillows, eat bland meal, avert non-vegetarian foods and wear black shirt and dhoti with a rosary in the neck.

Chanting the lord’s names frequently is a must and worshipping five days a month is mandatory.

Millions of devotees visit every year and undergo the arduous trek up the thorny path with Irrumudi on their heads that hold ghee for the lamps and coconuts, rice and legumes for the Lord. Regardless of caste, creed or economic differences, every devotee helps one another and in fervor walk to the temple.

The devotees penance is rewarded when the glow of a star appears on the festival day Jan 14th or 15th. Visiting Sabarimala temple cannot be done as and when one decides or like a Passover halt. This account for complete dedication and strictness and any devotee can succeed only when they follow with vigor. The nearest airport is Kochi. Chengannur and Kottayam are the nearest rail links.