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Sabarimala (72 Km from Pathanamthitta) is a famous pilgrimage centre in
Kerala. Believed to be the world's second largest annual pilgrimage in
terms of the number of devotees, millions of pilgrims a year make the
arduous barefoot trek up a mountain to the Ayyappan Temple in Sabarimala.
The holy shrine, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa (One of the
sons of Shiva) is 914 m above sea level amidst dense forests in the rugged
terrains of the Western Ghats. Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the
most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples. Devotees, mainly
male can be spotted on the roads with bare foot and dressed in black,
blue or ochre for the duration of their pilgrimage. The pilgrimage begins
in the month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts pilgrims
not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts
of the country and abroad.
Non Hindus are also allowed to conduct pilgrimages to the temple. This
is one place which has turned out to be a model of communal harmony. There
is 'Vavar Nada', a shrine in honour of a Muslim Saint close to the Ayyappa
Swami Temple at Sabarimala. Pilgrims to Sabarimala worship here
first and then proceed to the main temple.
 Women
between the age group of 10-50 are not permitted for the Sabarimala pilgrimage.
Only pilgrims who have observed 'Vritham' (penance) and carry 'Irumudikkettu
/ Pallikkettu (which contains the traditional offerings filled with ghee,
coconuts, camphor and rice) alone are allowed entry through the Holy 'Pathinettampadi'
(18 Divine Steps) to the shrine. In addition pilgrims must take two
baths daily, should avoid sexual pleasures, and only eat vegetarian food
at home during this period. The steps depict elements, mind, intelligence
etc. Those who crosses all these steps is believed to achieve 'Punyadarshan'.
Before climbing the steps the devotees have to take a ritual bath in the
holy river Pamba, which forgives one's sins and the devotees also break
the coconuts before climbing the steps. "Neyyabhishekam" is
the main offering.
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