Sabarimala
Sabarimala is a pilgrim centre in Kerala in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of India. Lord Ayyappan's temple is situated here in the midst of 18 hills. The area is in the Sahya hilly regions of Kerala in Pathanamthitta District. The temple is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 1260 m/4135 ft. above mean sea level, and is surrounded by mountains and dense forests.
Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Ayyappan meditated after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi. Sabarimala is one of the most visited piligrim centres in the world with an estimated 4.5 - 5 crores devotees coming every year. The world's second largest annual pilgrimage, after Haj in Mecca, is reported to be to Sabarimala.
The pilgrimage season starts in November and ends in mid January. On the particular day of 'Makaravilakku', lakhs of devotees throng around the temple for a glimpse of 'Makarajyothi'.
The temple is closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during the Malayalam New Year. People of all castes and creeds are permitted into the temple. However, entry is not allowed to women between 10 and 50 years of age. Also certain customs have to be strictly observed if one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala.
A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days.
Not everyone can take a tour to Sabarimala Kerala. One needs to observe strict discipline like abstinence from alcohol, smoking and other comforts of life. You are supposed to lead life like
an ascetic for 41 days before embarking on the journey to Sabarimala. Women between the ages of 10-50 are not allowed to go on this pilgrimage. The pilgrimage is open to all irrespective of caste, creed and religion. It sets a perfect example of harmonious co-existence of different religions and sects. Everyone is a devotee of the Lord, not Hindu, Muslim or Christian. Before reaching the temple, everyone is supposed to worship a shrine that is dedicated to a Muslim saint.
When to go
The pilgrimages to Sabarimala begin in November and last up to January. This is when the temple is inundated with devotees from all across India, and everything- from accommodation to flowers and coconuts- is at a premium.
Throughout the year, monthly poojas are held at the temple, usually within the first week of each month. The shrine, therefore, is open only for the first five days of every month and for the
pilgrimage season, between mid-November and mid-January.