Sabarimala Sri Dharma Sastha Temple- Kerala

Address

Sabarimala Sri Dharma Sastha Temple- Swamy Ayyappan Rd, Sannidhanam, Sabarimala, Kerala 689662

Deity

Ayyappa

Introduction

• Location: Sabarimala Sri Dharma Sastha Temple is located in the Ranni-Perunad village of Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India.
• Elevation: The temple is situated at an altitude of over 4000 feet above sea level in the Sahyadri (Western Ghats).
• Environment: Surrounded by dense forests and 18 hills, the temple attracts millions of devotees annually.
• Access: The temple can only be reached by foot, with a 4-kilometer trek through the jungle after crossing the Pampa River.

Puranic Significance

• Temple Structure: The main temple, Sannidhanam, is built on a 40-foot-high plateau. The original stone deity was replaced with a 1.5 feet Panchaloha (five-metal) idol after a fire in 1950.
• Key Elements: The temple includes the sanctum sanctorum, gold-plated roof, golden finials, two mandapams, and the balikalpura (altar).
• Sub-Shrines: Temples for Karuppu Sami and Kadutha Sami (guards of Ayyappa) are located at the foot of the 18 sacred steps. The shrine of Maalikapurathamma, close to the Sannidhanam, is revered almost as highly as Lord Ayyappa.

Beliefs

• Consecration: The deity is believed to have been consecrated by Lord Parasurama, as mentioned in the Ramayana.
• Mythological Significance: Sabarimala is where Lord Ayyappa meditated and became one with Lord Sastha after defeating the demon Mahishi.
• Unique Practices: Pilgrims observe strict fasting, continence, and wear the sacred Rudraksha chain. The entry of women aged 10-50 is restricted to honor the celibate nature of Lord Ayyappa.
• Secular Harmony: Vavar Thara, a shrine dedicated to Vavar, a Sufi saint and friend of Ayyappa, is situated near the temple, symbolizing communal harmony.

Special Features

• Ancient Temple: Sabarimala is an ancient temple, and Lord Ayyappa is considered an avatar of Lord Sastha.
• Manimandapam: The site where the Pandalam prince, an avatar of Shasta, meditated and became one with the divine.
• Five Shasta Temples: Sabarimala is one of five Shasta temples believed to be founded by Lord Parasurama.

Festivals

• Mandala Kalam: The 41-day pilgrimage season begins in Vrishchikam (December-January) and concludes on the eleventh day of Dhanu. Devotees from around the world throng the temple during this period.
• Other Festivals:
  • Guruvayur Ekadashi
  • Mandala Puja
  • Sabarimala Makaravilakku

Century/Period/Age

5000 Years old

Managed By

Travancore Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Pampa

Nearest Railway Station

Chengannur

Nearest Airport

Cochin, Thiruvanathapuram

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