Spiritual Places To Visit In Sabarimala Temple, Kerala | Pilgrimage Destination India

Spiritual Places To Visit In Sabarimala Temple, Kerala  

Sabarimala Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage destination located in the state of Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, who is considered to be the son of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Sabarimala is known for its unique traditions and rituals, which attract millions of devotees from all over the world. 

Visiting Sabarimala Temple is not just about seeking blessings from Lord Ayyappa, but it is also a spiritual journey that can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. In this article, we will explore some of the most important spiritual places to visit in Sabarimala Temple. 

History of Sabarimala Temple 

The history of Sabarimala Temple dates back to ancient times. According to mythology, the temple was built by Lord Parasurama, who was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple was later renovated and expanded by various kings and rulers. 

The architecture of Sabarimala Temple is unique and reflects the traditional Kerala style of architecture. The temple has a rectangular shape, and it is surrounded by a courtyard with a flagpole in the center. The main deity of the temple, Lord Ayyappa, is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum, which is located on the second floor of the temple. 

Rituals and Practices in Sabarimala Temple 

Sabarimala Temple is known for its unique rituals and practices. One of the most important festivals celebrated in the temple is the Mandala Pooja, which lasts for 41 days. During this period, devotees observe fasting and offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa. 

Another important festival celebrated in Sabarimala Temple is the Makaravilakku Festival, which is held in January. The festival is celebrated to mark the sighting of the Makaravilakku, which is a divine light that appears on the hilltop. 

The Sabarimala pilgrimage is considered to be one of the toughest pilgrimages in the world. Devotees have to undertake a rigorous 41-day fast before visiting the temple. They also have to wear black or blue clothes, and they are not allowed to shave or cut their hair during the fasting period. 

Spiritual Places to Visit in Sabarimala Temple 

Sannidhanam: This is the main area of the temple, where the sanctum sanctorum is located. Devotees can offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa here. 

Malikappuram Devi Temple: This temple is located on a hill near Sabarimala Temple. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga, who is considered to be the sister of Lord Ayyappa. 

Pampa Ganapathy Temple: This temple is located at the base of the hill, and it is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. 

Sabari Peedam: This is a small temple located near Sabarimala Temple. It is dedicated to Sabari, who is believed to have been a devotee of Lord Ayyappa. 

Ayyappa Seva Sangham: This is a charitable organization that provides various services to devotees visiting Sabarimala Temple. 

Other Attractions Near Sabarimala Temple 

Apart from the temple, there are many other attractions near Sabarimala Temple that are worth visiting. Some of these include: 

Perunad: This is a small village located near Sabarimala Temple. It is known for its natural beauty and scenic views. 

Parunthumpara: This is a beautiful hill station located near Sabarimala Temple. It is known for its stunning views and natural beauty. 

Gavi: This is a beautiful forest located near Sabarimala Temple. It is known for its wildlife and birdwatching opportunities. 

Pandalam: This is a historic town located near Sabarimala Temple. It is known for its royal palace and ancient temples. 

Sabarimala Temple is not just a religious destination, but it is also a spiritual journey that can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. The unique traditions and rituals of Sabarimala Temple attract millions of devotees from all over the world. 

The spiritual places mentioned in this article are just a few of the many places worth visiting in Sabarimala Temple. Each of these places has its own unique significance and can help individuals connect with their spirituality. 

Hidden facts about Sabarimala Temple, Kerala:-

The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, who is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Here are some hidden facts about the Sabarimala Temple:

1. Women of reproductive age are not allowed to enter the temple: This is one of the most controversial and widely debated aspects of the Sabarimala Temple. The temple's tradition does not allow women between the ages of 10 and 50 to enter the temple premises.
2. Sabarimala Temple is open only for a few months a year: The temple is open for worship only during the Mandalakalam season (November to January) and the Makaravilakku season (January to February). The rest of the year, the temple remains closed for regular devotees.
3. The 18 golden steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum: The 18 steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum are considered sacred and are believed to represent the 18 puranas or Hindu texts. Devotees climb these steps on their knees as a mark of respect and devotion.
4. The temple has a strict dress code: Men are required to wear black or blue dhoti and shawl while women are required to wear a sari or a skirt and blouse. Children are allowed to wear any comfortable clothing.
5. The temple's flag hoisting ceremony is an important ritual: The flag hoisting ceremony, known as Kodiyettam, marks the beginning of the pilgrimage season. It takes place on the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (around mid-November).
6. The temple's main deity is made of a rare material: The idol of Lord Ayyappa in Sabarimala Temple is made of a unique stone known as Panchaloha. This material is a combination of five metals: gold, silver, copper, lead, and iron.
7. The temple has a strict vegetarian policy: The temple does not serve non-vegetarian food or even onion and garlic. This is because Lord Ayyappa is believed to be a strict vegetarian and devotees follow his dietary habits during the pilgrimage.

These are some of the lesser-known facts about the Sabarimala Temple that make it a unique and fascinating destination for devotees and visitors alike.

How to travel by road to Sabarimala Temple Kerala and the nearest bus stand 

To travel by road to Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, you can follow these steps: 

Choose your starting point: Sabarimala is located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The nearest major cities are Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. 

Plan your route: You can use Google Maps or other navigation tools to plan your route. The main roads leading to Sabarimala are NH183 and SH42. 

Book your transportation: You can travel to Sabarimala by bus, taxi, or private car. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates buses from major cities to Pamba, which is the nearest bus stand to Sabarimala. Private taxis and cars can also be hired for the trip. 

Reach Pamba: Pamba is the base camp for the Sabarimala pilgrimage. From Pamba, you can either trek the steep path to the temple or take a jeep or helicopter ride. 

Follow the guidelines: There are certain guidelines that need to be followed during the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Make sure you are aware of them before embarking on the journey. 

Be prepared: The pilgrimage involves a lot of walking and climbing, so make sure you wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Also, carry sufficient water and snacks. 

In summary, you can travel to Sabarimala Temple in Kerala by road via bus, taxi, or private car. The nearest bus stand is Pamba, which is the base camp for the pilgrimage. 

How to travel by train to Sabarimala Temple Kerala and the nearest railway station 

The nearest railway station to Sabarimala Temple in Kerala is Chengannur Railway Station. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple. 

To travel to Chengannur Railway Station by train, you can check the Indian Railways website or app for train schedules and availability. Some trains that pass through Chengannur Railway Station are: 

Sabari Express (Train No: 17229/17230) - Runs between Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram 

Guruvayur Express (Train No: 16127/16128) - Runs between Chennai Egmore and Guruvayur 

Trivandrum Express (Train No: 16341/16342) - Runs between Guruvayur and Trivandrum 

You can book train tickets online or through a travel agent. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season as the demand for tickets may be high. 

Once you reach Chengannur Railway Station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the Pamba base camp. From there, you can trek to the Sabarimala Temple. It is advisable to check the trekking route and guidelines before embarking on the journey. 

How to travel by air to Sabarimala Temple Kerala and the nearest airport 

The nearest airport to Sabarimala Temple in Kerala is the Cochin International Airport. To travel by air, you can book a flight to Cochin from any major city in India or abroad. Once you reach the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Sabarimala. 

The distance between Cochin International Airport and Sabarimala Temple is approximately 160 km. The journey by road takes around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. 

Alternatively, you can also fly to the Trivandrum International Airport, which is located approximately 170 km from Sabarimala. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple. 

It is important to note that Sabarimala Temple is located in the Western Ghats, which are known for their hilly terrain. The roads leading to the temple can be narrow and steep, and may not be suitable for all types of vehicles. It is advisable to hire a professional driver who is familiar with the area and can navigate the roads safely. 

FAQs 

Q.1 What is the significance of the Sabarimala Temple? 

Sabarimala Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage destination located in the state of Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, who is considered to be the son of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. 

Q.2 What are the important festivals celebrated in Sabarimala Temple? 

Some of the important festivals celebrated in Sabarimala Temple include the Mandala Pooja and the Makaravilakku Festival. 

Q.3 What are the rules for visiting Sabarimala Temple? 

Devotees have to undertake a rigorous 41-day fast before visiting the temple. They also have to wear black or blue clothes, and they are not allowed to shave or cut their hair during the fasting period. 

Q.4 What are the other attractions near Sabarimala Temple? 

Some of the other attractions near Sabarimala Temple include Perunad, Pandalam, Parunthumpara, and Gavi. 

Q.5 How can I reach Sabarimala Temple? 

Sabarimala Temple is located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, and it is accessible by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is about 160 km away from the temple. The nearest railway station is Kottayam, which is about 90 km away from the temple.