6 Places to Visit In Sabarimala
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1. Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple (Ayyappa Temple)
1 km from city center
Temple
Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, sits atop a 3000-ft hill in the Periyar Tiger Reserve of Kerala's Pathanamthitta district. Open primarily during the 41-day Mandala-Makaravilakku season (Nov–Jan), along with select festivals like Vishu, devotees observe a 41-day celibate vratam before climbing the 18 sacred steps while carrying the traditional Irumudi kettu. The pil (Read More)grimage combines a forest trek, crossing the river Pamba, and spiritual rituals emphasizing equality, as pilgrims of all faiths address each other as 'Ayyappa.'
2. Makaravilakku
4 km from city center
Fairs & Festivals
Makaravilakku at Sabarimala is the grand finale of the two-month Mandala pilgrimage to Lord Ayyappa, held on Makara Sankranti in mid-January. It features three distinct events: the Thiruvabharanam procession carrying sacred ornaments from Pandalam Palace, the evening Deeparadhana ritual inside the temple, and the lighting of the "divine flame" (Makarajyothi) atop nearby Ponnambalamedu. While devot (Read More)ees believe the flame is a divine manifestation, it is lit by temple authorities in a symbolic ceremony. Witnessing Makarajyothi is a revered experience drawing up to half a million pilgrims. The festival emphasizes spiritual austerity—a 41-day vow of celibacy and devotion—and culminates in communal harmony and profound religious fervor.
3. Malikkappuram Devi Temple
0 km from city center
Temple
Malikkappuram Devi Temple is a prominent shrine located within the Sabarimala temple complex in Kerala. Dedicated to Goddess Malikkappurathamma, the temple is closely associated with the legend of Lord Ayyappa and is revered as his divine consort. Pilgrims visiting Sabarimala often offer prayers here after their darshan at the Ayyappa temple. The deity is worshipped with rituals similar to those a (Read More)t the main shrine, and offerings include turmeric, kumkum, and saris. The temple becomes especially significant during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season, drawing thousands of devotees during this auspicious period.
4. Sabarimalai Vavar Hundi
0 km from city center
Temple
Vavar Hundi at Sabarimala is a sacred shrine dedicated to Vavar, the Muslim companion of Lord Ayyappa, symbolizing religious harmony. Located near the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, it features a rustic prayer space where pilgrims offer prayers and tobacco leaves, respecting local traditions. Open year-round, it sees peak visits during the Mandala and Makaravilakku seasons. The shrine exemplifies comm (Read More)unal unity and is an essential stop for devotees en route to Ayyappa’s hilltop temple.
5. Pampa Ganapathy Temple
3 km from city center
Temple
Pampa Ganapathy Temple is a historic shrine situated along the banks of the Pamba River, near the Sabarimala pilgrimage route in Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, it's believed devotees who worship here are granted success and protection before continuing their sacred journey upward. The temple’s serene riverside ambiance and simple architecture provide a peaceful setting for prayer and reflectio (Read More)n. Open year-round, it becomes especially significant during the Mandala and Makaravilakku seasons, as pilgrims pause here to seek blessings before ascending to Sabarimala.
6. Erumeli
0 km from city center
Village
Erumeli, often called the “Gateway to Sabarimala,” is a small town in Kerala’s Kottayam district where pilgrims pause on their spiritual journey to Lord Ayyappa. Its name, derived from “Erumakolli” (meaning buffalo-slaying), refers to the mythic event when Ayyappa vanquished the demoness Mahishi here. The town is renowned for the ritual Petta Thullal, a fervent devotional dance performed barefoot (Read More)through town streets, symbolizing unity and victory over evil. Pilgrims in black or blue attire carry painted bows and arrows, performing in front of both the Sree Dharmasastha Temple and the Vavar mosque—an emblem of communal harmony.
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FAQs on Sabarimala
What are the top sightseeing places in Sabarimala?
The top sightseeing places in Sabarimala are Ayyappa Temple, Makaravilakku, Malikkappuram Devi Temple, Vavar Shrine, Pampa Ganapathy Temple, Erumeli.
How can I commute within Sabarimala?
From the base camp to Sannidhanam, one has to travel by foot. For people who find it difficult to walk, special palanquin service known as Dolly operates for a fee of Rs. 1000 plus tip charges. You can buy the palanquin from the Publicity office in the basecamp. Farm donkeys or horses can also be hired to be taken to Sannidhanam.
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Can you suggest an itinerary for Sabarimala?
Day 1- Trek up to Lord Ayappa shrine and say your prayers in the early morning. Visit Malikauram Devi Temple. Day 2- Visit the Vavar shrine.