Trivandrum City Guide
Sabarimala is a renowned pilgrim centre atop the rugged hills of the Western Ghats. This holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa
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.
