Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to an amazing feast of interesting facts and information on the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple, one of the most prominent Hindu temples in India and the world! This travel guide also covers important cultural facts that will naturally form a part of your travel experience. The legendary Sabarimala temple is devoted to Lord Ayyappa, a deity popular among the masses. This temple has a very rich history with lots of secrets and interesting information. Be ready to embark on a journey to a serene place, full of mysticism and a divine aura.

Interesting Facts About Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple

1. Sabarimala is the only Ayyappa temple in the world that allows women of the age 10 to 50 as devotees, while otherAyana temple in India excluding this temple do not allow women of any age into the temple as devotees.

2. Only male devotees are allowed to climb the 18 holy steps (known as Pathinettam Padi) to reach the shrine at the top of the hill at Sabarimala.

3. A devotee is required to observe a 41-day vratham (or strict abstinence) before they are allowed to climb the 18 holy steps.

4. The famous Petta Thullal dance is performed during the Mandalapooja of Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple.

5. The famous Makara Jyothi festival is celebrated at Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple at the end of the 41-day period of prayers.

6. The first Ayyappa temple outside India is situated in Richmond Hill in Canada and is called Ayyappan Virutham.

7. During the Makara Sankranti, the doors of the Dharmasastha temple located at the top of the hill open only in the evening.

8. The last festival is celebrated as Malayalam New year and the temple is seen bustling with devotees and fireworks. The temple fares well with numerous camp sites on the mount.

9. The temple is home to a variety of birds, particularly the blue rock pigeon (Kavu Kankana).

10. Sabarimala is one of the richest temples in India, receiving more than 1 Million Dollars of donations every month.

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History & Information About Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple

Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples located in the Indian state of Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, and is located on a hilltop at an altitude of 468 meters, and is one of the most visited pilgrim centres in India.

The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Ayyappa who is considered to be a ‘celibate-saint’. The temple is known to be a pilgrimage center since the days of the Pandalam dynasty and is believed to have been in existence for at least six centuries.

Devotees of Lord Ayyappa visit the temple every year for a pilgrimage, which is known as the Sabarimala pilgrimage, and the main events take place during the Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku. The temple is open only for the 41 days of Mandalam season, and the temple is especially crowded during this period.

The devotees of Lord Ayyappa, known as Ayyappans wear a traditional dress in black and carry a ceremonial bell, umbrellas, ornaments, tulsi (holy basil) beads and a bundle of ghee, among other things, for the pilgrimage even today. On reaching the temple, after an arduous journey, they chant “Sharana ghosham, Sharanam Ayyappa”, which translates to “I take refuge in Lord Ayyappa”.

The devotees are also expected to observe a set of austerities before entering the temple, such as abstaining from alcohol, wearing plain and simple clothing, abstaining from non-vegetarian food and smoking, among other prohibitions.

This temple is also known for its annual festival, the Aarattu festival, which is held for 10 days in the month of March/April. During this festival, Lord Ayyappa is taken in procession from the nearby Pandalam Palace and his devotees carry him amidst ‘panchari melam’ (traditional music). After reaching the temple the idol of the deity is given a holy bath in the temple pond, and a sumptuous feast is offered to the devotees.

The Sabarimala temple is also well known for the Chakkulathukavu Pooram festival which attracts several devotees, especially women, every year. Chakkulathukavu is situated at the foot of the Sabarimala hills and the festival is celebrated in the month of October/November by offering sacrifices to the deity.

The temple and its surrounding area are managed by the Devaswom Board, which is a public body working under the Government of Kerala. The board also takes care of various other infrastructural needs at the temple, such as providing accommodation, offering free meals, regulating transportation, etc.

The Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple is one of the most revered and sacred pilgrimage sites in India, and is visited by millions of devotees every year. The temple and its traditions have been passed down through generations and are deeply embedded in the culture of Kerala.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple

1. Reach There:
Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple is located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve of Kerala. It is about 200 km from Kochi and 170 km from Thiruvananthapuram. You can reach the temple by bus, taxi or private vehicle.

2. Get a Darshan:
The temple opens at 4:00 am and closes at 11:00 pm. You can take a darshan from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm. You have to stand in the queue and wait for your turn to have the darshan.

3. Accommodation:
There are numerous options for accommodation near the temple that range from hotels, lodges, guesthouses to tents and cottages. You can book the accommodation beforehand for reservation.

4. What to Wear:
The proper attire for visiting the temple is traditional Kerala attire for both men and women. Men have to wear a mundu (dhoti) and women should don a sari or any modest Indian dress.

5. Abide By the Customs:
You should abide by the temple customs and rituals here. Make sure you keep yourself clean and don’t consume alcohol in or near the temple premises. You should also not enter the temple premises after 11 PM.

6. Other Important Things to Keep in Mind:
You should not take any valuable items to the temple. You should also take care of the environment and keep the temple clean. You should respect other devotees and follow the rules and regulations set by the temple authorities.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple

Q. When was Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple built?
A. The Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple was built in the 8th century CE.

Q. Who is the main deity of the temple?
A. The main deity of the temple is Lord Ayyappa, who is believed to be an incarnation of Vishnu and Shiva.

Q. What is the main pilgrimage season at Sabarimala?
A. The peak pilgrimage season at Sabarimala falls between the months of November to January.

Q. What are the age restrictions for pilgrims visiting Sabarimala?
A. Pilgrims between the ages of 10 and 60 are allowed to visit the temple.

Q. Is Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple open to members of all religions?
A. Yes, Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple is open to members of all religions.

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