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The temple of Lord Ayyappa also known as Sri Dharmasastha Temple is famous all over our country and pilgrims come here from all corners.It is situated in the north east part of Pathanamathitta and is surrounded by thick forests of the Sahyadari range.The main pilgrim season is from November to January. Mandala pooja and Makaravilakku are the two main events of the pilgrim season. Devotees have to observe 41 days of abstinence to undertake the pilgrimage. Witnessing the ‘Makara jyothi’ is considered as one of the blessed fortunes in one’s life.The temple is open to males of all age groups irrespective of caste and creed. The main deity, Lord Ayyappa is an embodiment of both Siva and Vishnu. It is believed that the spot where the temple is located is the place where Ayyappan meditated after killing a powerful demoness. Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and each carry a cloth bundle called Irumudi kettu containing traditional offerings. To enter the temple complex at Sabarimala, the devotees have to trek from Pampa and then climb the 18 steps or the ‘pathinettu padikal’.These steps are considered very holy and climbing them brings the pilgrim closer to self realization. The temple complex comprises of a sanctum sanctorum bearing a copper-plated roof, two mandapams, the belikalpura housing the altar, and the ‘kodimaram’ or the flag staff.The Ayyappa idol installed within has been carved from panchaloha, an amalgam of five metals and is about one and a half feet tall.Aravana payasam, prepared by using rice, ghee, sugar etc is the prasadam at Sabarimala temple.

 The temple of Lord Ayyappa also known as Sri Dharmasastha Temple is famous all over our country and pilgrims come here from all corners.It is situated in the north east part of Pathanamathitta and is surrounded by thick forests of the Sahyadari range.The main pilgrim season is from November to January. Mandala pooja and Makaravilakku are the two main events of the pilgrim season. Devotees have to observe 41 days of abstinence to undertake the pilgrimage. Witnessing the ‘Makara jyothi’ is considered as one of the blessed fortunes in one’s life.The temple is open to males of all age groups irrespective of caste and creed. The main deity, Lord Ayyappa is an embodiment of both Siva and Vishnu. It is believed that the spot where the temple is located is the place where Ayyappan meditated after killing a powerful demoness. Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and each carry a cloth bundle called Irumudi kettu containing traditional offerings. To enter the temple complex at Sabarimala, the devotees have to trek from Pampa and then climb the 18 steps or the ‘pathinettu padikal’.These steps are considered very holy and climbing them brings the pilgrim closer to self realization. The temple complex comprises of a sanctum sanctorum bearing a copper-plated roof, two mandapams, the belikalpura housing the altar, and the ‘kodimaram’ or the flag staff.The Ayyappa idol installed within has been carved from panchaloha, an amalgam of five metals and is about one and a half feet tall.Aravana payasam, prepared by using rice, ghee, sugar etc is the prasadam at Sabarimala temple.

[ Last update : Vishal-Aug 11 2010 10:30AM , ]

Pilgrims can reach Pampa either from Kottayam side via Erumely or Manimala, or from Patanamthitta, Chenganur side via Ranny, Athikayam, Perunad.Pampa is the nearest point to Sabarimala where one can reach by vehicle. From Pampa pilgrims have to trek about 6 kilometers through the semi paved and uphill forest terrain. This trek takes about 2 to 3 hours. Buses are available from Kottaym, Chengannur and Punalur.

 Pilgrims can reach Pampa either from Kottayam side via Erumely or Manimala, or from Patanamthitta, Chenganur side via Ranny, Athikayam, Perunad.Pampa is the nearest point to Sabarimala where one can reach by vehicle. From Pampa pilgrims have to trek about 6 kilometers through the semi paved and uphill forest terrain. This trek takes about 2 to 3 hours. Buses are available from Kottaym, Chengannur and Punalur.

[ Last update : Vishal-Aug 11 2010 10:30AM , ]

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