|
The temple is opened only for the festival days and for the first five
days of every Malayalam month and also during Vishu (April) and onam and
closed during the rest of the year. It is believed that "Parasurama
Maharshi" who retrieve Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed
the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa.
There is no restrictions of caste or creed in Sabarimala .The pilgrims
who are undertaking the pilgrimage for the first time known as 'Kanni
Swamis' and the leader of the group is known as 'Guru Swami' .
The main festivals of this temple are Mandalapooja (Nov.17th , November
to mid January ,the period which is called as "Mandalakalam".)
and Makaravilakku (Jan.14th). Makara Villaku is the bringing of deity's
jewellery, Thirivabharanam from the Pandalam Palace, three days prior
to Makara Sankranthi.
However, there are some controversies of diverse kinds
related to Sabarimala; the case of women entry in the temple, Sabarimala
Makaravilaku controversy (a celestial fire - a Jyothi with healing powers
appears mysteriously in the Sabarimala forests on the Makara. On this
day of 'Makaravilakku' lakhs of devotees gathered around the temple for
the sight of 'Makarajyothi' ) are main among them.
Near to Ayyappa Swami Temple there is a 'Vavar Temple',
of a Muslim Saint at Sabarimala. Pilgrims to Sabarimala first worship
here and then proceed to the main temple.
|
Pilgrim Centers 
Write
Comments
PREVIOUS
