Sabarimala
Sabarimala a famous pilgrimage destination of Kerala, situated in the Pathanamthitta district, in the valley of Sahyadri Mountains is a prominent holy place in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, being born out of Mohini (the female incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and Lord Shiva, he is the principal deity of Hindus in Kerala.
The hill shrine of Sabarimala is located in the forest abode of Lord Ayyappa in the Western Ghats of India. This temple has its own unique significance due to which devotees come in huge numbers to get the glimpse of Lord Ayyappa. Another legend attached to this place is it is believed to be the place where Lord Ayyapa meditated soon after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi.
Sabrimala is about 3000 feet above sea level, to come here symbolizes the journey of heaven, the route to Sabrimala is very adventurous and difficult. Even to come here the pilgrims have to observe severe austerities for 41 days. And have to wear rudraksha or tulsi beads string in the neck and climb the forest and hill to reach here.
The shrine gets thronged with devotees especially during the main pilgrim season from November to January. The two main events are Mandalapooja (Nov 15th) and Makarvilakku (Jan 14th). Other time the temple remains closed for the rest of the year, except during the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April). Pilgrims set out in groups here under a leader, and everyone carry a cloth bundle called Irumudi Kettu containing traditional offerings for the lord. The unique feature of this shrine is here there are no restrictions like in other temples on the basis of caste and creed.
An age old discipline followed in Sabarimala is the ban on the entry of young women to the shrine. They also not allowed to get close to the poonkavanam or forest around Sanidhanam, making Sabarimala. It is the only temple in India where women aged between 10 and 50 cannot visit.
Pilgrims on the way to Sabrimala takes a holy dip into Pamba River which has its own significance in the whole journey. Pampa is the most holy spot on the way to Sannidhanam. It is here that Lord Ayyappa was found by King Rajasekara. The Pampa river is as holy as the Ganges. The Pampa water purifies one from all curse and evil.. Pilgrims walk bare footed all long the hilly and forest stretch chanting the holy name Saranam Ayyappa.
It is a day-trip from Kumily
