SABARIMALA TEMPLE

SABARIMALA

Sabarimala is situated 72 km from Pathanamthitta town, 191 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 210 km from Kochi. It is the ‘Sacred Abode of Lord Ayyappa’ and one of the most important Hindu pilgrim centre in the country. The traditional route to Sabarimala is from Erumeli (40 km.). It is situated on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 914 m above sea level and is accessible only by foot from Pamba (4 km.) and also accessible from Satram only by foot(near at Vandiperiyar) called Pullumedu. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Sree Ayyappa. Other routes are from Vandiperiyar, Uppupara and Chalakkayam via Plappally. These routes are famous for these scenic splendour and mythological value. Sabarimala – The holy shrine is located amidst dense forests in the rugged terrains of Western Ghats. Inhabited by various wildlife species. Pilgrim season is from November to mid-January. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The Temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April). Millions of pilgrims from all over the Country assemble here during the most arduous festivals called as ‘Vishu Vilakku’ in April, ‘Mandalapooja’, in the months of Vrichikam Dhanu (Nov. – Dec) and ‘Makaravilakku’ in mid January, coinciding with Sankramam.

By Air

The Nearby airports are Tiruvnanthapuramm and Kochi.

By Train

Nearest railway station is at Chengannur, which is located at a distance of about 93 km from Pamba.

By Road

Pampa is the nearest place to Sabarimala that can be accessed only by road. Sabarimala is about 5 kms away from Pamba.