Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple , Kerala

Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple is one of the most oldest and spectacular Sastha temples in the country. Situated in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is one of the few Hindu Shrine in India that is opened to all religions. The temple of Sabarimala is one of the most distant shrines in southern India yet it still attracts nearly 3-4 million pilgrims each year. It is almost surrounded by dense forest and mountains, Sabarimala is considered to be the place where Lord Ayyappan meditated. Likewise, the most popular pilgrimage place in Kerala is Sabarimala. Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most renowned and outstanding among all the Sastha Temples. It is thought that "Parasurama Maharshi" who conquered Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, put in the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa.

The pilgrimage starts in the month of November and finishes in the month of January. The temple draws pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other portions of the country and overseas. The shrine gets crowded with devotees particularly during the main pilgrim season from November to January. Mandala pooja held on December12, 2011 and Makaravilakku held on January 15, 2012 are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple usually remains closed during the remaining of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu in the month of April.

Particular customs are to be rigorously observed if one has to pioneer a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. A pilgrim who is attending the Mandalapooja should observe asceticism for total of 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should refrain himself from non-vegetarian food and carnal delights. Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and each carry a cloth packet called Irumudi kettu comprising traditional offerings. Like certain Hindu temples, Sabarimala temple has no regulations or limitation of caste or creed. The temple is open to males of all age groups and to women who have either crossed their fertility age and those before reaching the stage of puberty. The easiest way is through Chalakkayam, where one can reach the banks of the river Pamba by vehicle. Pamba is the major halting spot on the way to Sabarimala. From this place, one has to trek nearly 4 to 5 kms to reach the temple.