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Sabarimala |
| Sabarimala (72 Km from Pathanamthitta) has over the years earned the distinction as the most visited Hindu pilgrim centre even in the whole of India. Among all the Sastha temples, Sri Dharmasastha Temple here is the most popular and prominent one. The shrine at Sabarimala, high up in the Sahyadhri Mountains at an altitude of 914 m above sea level is dedicated to Sri Ayyappan . The pilgrimage season of Sabarimala is from the month of November to January. In addition to the pilgrims from South India , Sabarimala attracts people from other parts of the country and abroad. This place has turned out to be a citadel of communal harmony as non-Hindus are also allowed to conduct pilgrimages to the temple provided they observe the vows involved. |
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| One notable monument at Sabarimala is the 'Vavar Nada', a shrine in honour of a Muslim Saint who was very close to the Ayyappa Swami. Devotees to Sabarimala reach here to offer prayers first before proceeding to the main temple. However women pilgrims between 10 to 50 years age are not permitted to take up the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Again only those who have observed 'Vritham' (penance) and carry 'Irumudikkettu' (Pallikkettu) with them alone are allowed into the Holy 'Pathinettampadi' (18 Divine Steps) which lead to the shrine. The steps represent elements, mind, intelligence etc. A person who crosses all these steps is considered to have achieved 'Punyadarshan'. |
Sabarimala Shrine |
The Sabarimala Shrine is open for pilgrimage only on specific occasions . They are:
- "Mandalam", 41 days, Normally mid November to end December
- "Makaravilakku" which culminates in mid-January
- On "Vishu", mid April
- "Prathistha day" (May - June)
- The Onam festival (August-September)
- First five days of every Malayalam month..
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Access to Sabarimala |
The main halting point on the way to Sabarimala is Pampa. From there, Sabarimala is just 8 Kms. The State Transport Corporation operates buses frequently to Pampa, which is the most traditional route to Sabarimala.
- By Air :
Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi( Nedumbassery) are the nearest airports and
from by bus/car to Pampa.
- By Rail :
Kottayam & Chengannur are the Stations by Railway (Broad Gauge) and
Punalur (Metre Gauge), from where by bus to Pampa.
- By Road :
Route 1. Kottayam to Pampa (via) Erumeli and from Pampa to Sabarimala
(the latter by foot) - 136 kms
Route 2. Kottayam to Pampa (via) Manimala and then, to Sabarimala by foot - 116 kms
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Sightseeing Highlights enroute Sabarimala |
Konni |
Konni, the hill-town which is famous for timber trade and the wild elephant training centre is also around. |
Niranam |
Niranam which has one of the oldest churches in the world, believed to have been built by Saint Thomas the Apostle in 52 A D is also in the precincts of Sabarimala. |
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