Sabarimala Temple

Kerala is a land of temples perhaps the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala is Sabarimala, high up in the Sahyadri Mountains. Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples. It is believed that "Parasurama Maharshi" who uplifted Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa.

The pilgrimage begins in the month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad. The unique feature of the Temple is that it opens to people of all faiths and many non-hindus conduct pilgrimages to this temple. The secular aspect of the temple is best exemplified by the existence of the "Vavar Nada" in honour of a Muslim saint at the close proximity to the main temple (Ayyappa Swami Temple) at Sabarimala by the side of Holy Pathinettampady.

The pilgrims worship in this place also. The pilgrims on their sojourn to Sabarimala worship at Erumeli Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and conduct "Petta Thullal". They also worship in the mosque at Erumeli as a part of their pilgrimage. Ayyappa cult gives much importance for the secularism and communal harmony and has turn out to be a model for the whole world.

Another significant aspect of the pilgrimage is that all the pilgrims whether rich or poor, learned or illiterate holding position or not master or servant are all equal before LORD AYYAPPA and all address each other as AYYAPPA. The divine qualities like equality, fraternity, tolerance, humanity etc.. are shining well in the pilgrims.

Pathinettampadi
Pathinettapadi (18 divine steps) to the sanctum sanctorium is divine in all aspects. The first three steps depict "Bhoomi, Agni, Vayoo & Akash", 6 to 9 steps for Karmendriya, 10 to 15 for Jhanandriya, 16th for mind 17th Intelligence and 18th Jeevathma Bhava. Those who crosses all these steps is believed to achieve "Punyadarshan".

The divine pampa
The divine Pampa place an important roll in the Sabarimala pilgrimage. After passing around 102 steps the pilgrims can reach at the Pampa Maha Ganapathi Temple. Breaking coconuts is the main offering here. Neelimala, Appachimedu, Sabareepeedam, Saramkuthi are the other divine places enroute. At Pampa also there are a few pilgrim sheds. There are three hospitals (one Allopathy one Ayurveda and one Homoeopathy) functioning during the festival period. At Appachimedu also one first aid center. Used to function during the peak days of festival period. One information center is working at Pampa Anjaneya auditorium.