Sabarimala is a very holy pilgrimage centre in India. It is situated in the Western Ghats in the state of Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Most importantly, the temple receives millions of pilgrims annually; therefore, it is one of the largest annual pilgrimages worldwide.
In other words, the temple is special because it enables devotees, regardless of caste, creed, and religion, to seek blessings. Pilgrims do a 41-day penitence before paying a visit. During this time, they engage in hardcore activities such as celibacy, adorning plain clothes, and living a disciplined life. As a result, the experience turns out to be spiritual and cleansing.
Above all, the hike in the forests and the hilly areas of the temple make it even more attractive. One example is the 18 holy steps that you take towards the sanctum sanctorum to signify spiritual progression. This means that Sabarimala is not only a temple but a process of change.
All in all, visitors to Sabarimala appreciate it because it has a strong energy, discipline of increasing spirituality, and equality. A Sabarimala Trip contains piety, patience, and spiritual contact in a single expedition.
The history of Sabarimala is filled with legends and devotion. The mythologies describe that the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), Lord Ayyappa, meditated here after the slaying of the demoness Mahishi. Due to this, the temple was identified as a symbol of accomplishment, piety, and expiation.
Above all, the temple rituals align with Lord Ayyappa's teachings. The 18 blessed steps, also called Pathinettam Padi, are considered to be of great spiritual essence. Each step signifies one in the process of spiritual development, one step away from worldly attachment to the final salvation.
Moreover, the temple was constructed many centuries ago and is currently being taken care of by the Travancore Devaswom Board. The annual pilgrimage season, which is observed in Mandala-Makaravilakku, attracts millions of pilgrims across India. Furthermore, there are historical findings that the temple was destroyed by a fire in 1950, but was rebuilt in traditional architecture.
Similarly, legends point to the exclusive fraternity between the Hindu deity Lord Ayyappa and the Muslim saint Vavar. To explain further, devotees visit the shrine of Vavar in Erumeli before going to Sabarimala. The temple's history can be summarized as one that brings religion, equality, and strength.
Surroundings of Sabarimala offer several attractions:
The closest rail station is Chengannur (approximately 90 km). It is connected by buses and taxis to Pampa, the base camp. In addition, the Kottayam and Thiruvalla stations are also convenient.
Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 160 km from Sabarimala. Also, the Trivandrum International Airport is approximately 170 km. Then, devotees can go to Pampa by road.
Sabarimala is well accessible to established towns in Kerala by road. SRTC buses travel to Pampa in cities such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kottayam. Jeeps and private taxis are also available. Pilgrims must walk approximately 5 km uphill to enter the temple at Pampa.
During summer, temperatures in Sabarimala tend to rise, and the weather is hot and humid. Temple visits, however, are still possible in the mornings and evenings. Trekking through hot weather may not be very easy for Pilgrims. Therefore, this is when fewer visitors are found, making the experience even more subdued and spiritual.
During the monsoon season, the forests are overwhelmed with a lush green cover. The flow of rivers and streams produces new energy and fresh air. However, muddy tracks and slushy roads make trekking harder for devotees. On the contrary, the beauty of Sabarimala in monsoons is indescribably beautiful.
It is without a doubt a better time to visit Sabarimala in winter. The weather is pleasantly cool, and the days are enjoyable for visiting temples and going on treks. Above all, the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage takes place during this period. Millions of pilgrims converge seeking blessings, making it a spiritual odor that is really divine. Briefly, pilgrims have the best experience in winter.
