Sabrimala Temple
Location :
191 Kms north of Thiruvanathapuram and 210 Kms from Kochi.
Jaisalmer fort was built in 1156 and is the second oldest in
Rajasthan. Known as SONAR QUILA or the Golden fort, rising from the
sand , the mega structure merges with the golden hues of the desert
ambience and the setting suns in its most colourful shades gives it
a fairy tale look .
About Sabrimala :
The Sabrimala is a holy shrine dedicated to Lord
Ayyappa. It is also a renowned pilgrim center over the top of the
rugged hills of the Western Ghats. The sanctum sanctorum is almost
914 m above the mean sea level surrounded by the thick forests of
the Western Ghats. The pilgrimage is generally undertaken between
November and January.
The village of Sabarimala is named after Shabri who did severe
penance in order to meet Rama. As the legend goes, touched by her
devotion and faith, Lord Rama lovingly ate the half-eaten 'ber'
(kind of berries) that she offered. In her simplicity, she had
preferred to taste them first to ensure that they were sweet and
tasty.
Devotees wear black 'dhotis' and are bare-chested >as they
prepare for the pilgrimage to Sabarimala. The temple is at the top >of
the Neeli hills and the devotees have to climb the treacherous route
>carrying their meager provision in a bundle called 'Iru Mudi'
meaning in >'two folds'.
Ceremony :
The Sabarimala Temple festival is celebrated in honor of Lord
Ayyapan. The two main ceremonies called the Mandal Puja and the
Makara Sankranti Puja are celebrated from November to Mid- January
in Kerala. During this time, the devotees perform austerities and
penitence.
Getting There :
Inaccessible by road or rail, Nearest railway station : Chengannur,
about 28 km from Pathanamthitta. Nearest airports: about 133 km from
Pathanamthitta.
