Sabarimala Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Kerala, India. It is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a deity who is believed to be the son of Shiva and Vishnu. The temple is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 468 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests.
The temple is visited by millions of devotees every year, particularly during the annual pilgrimage season which falls between November and January. The temple is only open to male devotees who are over the age of 18, and women who are of menstruating age are traditionally not allowed to enter the temple. This rule has been the subject of controversy in recent years, with the Indian Supreme Court lifting the ban on women entering the temple in 2018.
The journey to the temple is an important part of the pilgrimage, and devotees are required to follow a strict set of rules and rituals in order to prepare for the journey. These include abstaining from meat, alcohol, and tobacco, and observing celibacy. Devotees also wear a specific type of garment called a “Mala,” which is a string of prayer beads that symbolizes their devotion to Lord Ayyappa.
The temple is known for its unique architecture, which is a blend of traditional Kerala and Tamil styles. The temple is surrounded by a high wall, and the main entrance is through a gateway called the “Pathinettampadi,” which means “the 18 steps.” The temple is also known for its beautiful landscape, which includes a series of steps leading up to the temple, as well as a number of shrines and sacred ponds.
In conclusion, the Sabarimala Temple is a significant religious site for Hindus and is visited by millions of devotees every year. It is known for its unique architecture, strict rules and rituals, and beautiful landscape.
Read More – Sabarimala: A Complete Guide
History of Sabarimala Temple
The history of the Sabarimala Temple is closely linked to the legend of Lord Ayyappa, the deity worshipped at the temple. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ayyappa was born as the son of Shiva and Vishnu, who had taken the form of the Mohini avatar in order to kill the demon king, Mahishi.
Lord Ayyappa is believed to have lived in the Sabarimala region, where he performed several miracles and established the temple as a place of worship. The temple is also believed to be the site where Lord Ayyappa attained enlightenment and merged with the divine.
The temple has a long and rich history, with references to it dating back to the 11th century. The temple has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, and it has become an important place of worship for Hindus across India and around the world.
In recent years, the temple has been at the center of controversy due to the traditional ban on women of menstruating age from entering the temple. The Indian Supreme Court lifted the ban in 2018, ruling that the ban violated the constitutional rights of women and was discriminatory. The ruling sparked widespread protests and violence in the state of Kerala, with many traditionalists opposing the decision.
Architecture of Sabarimala Temple
The Sabarimala Temple is known for its unique architecture, which is a blend of traditional Kerala and Tamil styles. The temple is located on a hilltop in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Kerala, India, and is surrounded by dense forests.
The main entrance to the temple is through a gateway called the “Pathinettampadi,” which means “the 18 steps.” Devotees are required to climb these steps as part of the journey to the temple. The temple is also surrounded by a high wall, which serves as a protective barrier against wild animals in the surrounding forest.
The temple complex consists of a series of shrines and sacred ponds, as well as a number of buildings and structures. The main temple building is a large structure with a thatched roof, which houses the deity of Lord Ayyappa. The temple is also home to a number of smaller shrines, which are dedicated to various deities and saints.
The temple is known for its beautiful landscape, which includes a series of steps leading up to the temple, as well as a number of shrines and sacred ponds. The temple is also surrounded by dense forests, which add to its serene and peaceful atmosphere.
In conclusion, the Sabarimala Temple is a beautiful and architecturally unique structure that is an important place of worship for Hindus. It is located on a hilltop in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Kerala, India, and is known for its blend of traditional Kerala and Tamil styles, as well as its beautiful landscape.
Read More – Pathanamthitta: Places to Visit
Significance of Sabarimala Temple
The Sabarimala Temple is a significant religious site for Hindus, particularly in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a deity who is believed to be the son of Shiva and Vishnu.
The temple is visited by millions of devotees every year, particularly during the annual pilgrimage season which falls between November and January. The journey to the temple is an important part of the pilgrimage, and devotees are required to follow a strict set of rules and rituals in order to prepare for the journey. These include abstaining from meat, alcohol, and tobacco, and observing celibacy.
The temple is also known for its unique architecture, which is a blend of traditional Kerala and Tamil styles. It is surrounded by a high wall and the main entrance is through a gateway called the “Pathinettampadi,” which means “the 18 steps.” The temple is also known for its beautiful landscape, which includes a series of steps leading up to the temple, as well as a number of shrines and sacred ponds.
In conclusion, the Sabarimala Temple is a significant religious site for Hindus and is visited by millions of devotees every year. It is known for its strict rules and rituals, unique architecture, and beautiful landscape.
Things to know about Sabarimala Temple
- Sabarimala Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Kerala, India. It is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a deity who is believed to be the son of Shiva and Vishnu.
- The temple is only open to male devotees who are over the age of 18, and women who are of menstruating age are traditionally not allowed to enter the temple. This rule has been the subject of controversy in recent years, with the Indian Supreme Court lifting the ban on women entering the temple in 2018.
- The journey to the temple is an important part of the pilgrimage, and devotees are required to follow a strict set of rules and rituals in order to prepare for the journey. These include abstaining from meat, alcohol, and tobacco, and observing celibacy. Devotees also wear a specific type of garment called a “Mala,” which is a string of prayer beads that symbolizes their devotion to Lord Ayyappa.
- The temple is known for its unique architecture, which is a blend of traditional Kerala and Tamil styles. The temple is surrounded by a high wall, and the main entrance is through a gateway called the “Pathinettampadi,” which means “the 18 steps.”
- The temple is visited by millions of devotees every year, particularly during the annual pilgrimage season which falls between November and January.
- The temple is also known for its beautiful landscape, which includes a series of steps leading up to the temple, as well as a number of shrines and sacred ponds.
- The temple has a long and rich history, with references to it dating back to the 11th century. It has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, and has become an important place of worship for Hindus across India and around the world.
How to reach Sabarimala Temple
The Sabarimala Temple is located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Kerala, India. It is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 468 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests. Here are a few options for reaching the temple:
- By Road: The temple is located about 100 km from the city of Kottayam, and is well-connected by roads. Devotees can hire a taxi or take a bus from Kottayam or other nearby cities to reach the temple.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to the temple is the Kottayam Railway Station, which is about 100 km away. Devotees can take a taxi or bus from the railway station to reach the temple.
- By Air: The nearest airport to the temple is the Cochin International Airport, which is about 180 km away. Devotees can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to reach the temple.
It is recommended that devotees plan their journey in advance and book accommodations beforehand, as the temple is visited by millions of people during the annual pilgrimage season which falls between November and January. It is also advisable to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and to carry a sufficient supply of water and food for the journey.
Hotels near Sabarimala Temple
There are a number of hotels and guest houses located near the Sabarimala Temple, which offer accommodation to devotees visiting the temple. Here are a few options:
- Hotel Ayyappas: Located in the town of Pathanamthitta, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and amenities such as a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a conference hall.
- Hotel Sree Ayyappa: Situated in the town of Pathanamthitta, this hotel offers budget-friendly accommodation and amenities such as a restaurant and a conference hall.
- Hotel Sabarigiri: Located in the town of Pathanamthitta, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and amenities such as a restaurant and a conference hall.
- Hotel Sree Ayyappan: Located in the town of Pathanamthitta, this hotel offers budget-friendly accommodation and amenities such as a restaurant and a conference hall.
It is recommended that devotees book their accommodations in advance, as the temple is visited by millions of people during the annual pilgrimage season which falls between November and January. Devotees can book rooms at these hotels through their websites or by contacting them directly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sabarimala Temple
Q: What is the Sabarimala Temple?
A: The Sabarimala Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Kerala, India. It is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a deity who is believed to be the son of Shiva and Vishnu.
Q: Who is allowed to enter the Sabarimala Temple?
A: Traditionally, the Sabarimala Temple is only open to male devotees who are over the age of 18. Women who are of menstruating age are traditionally not allowed to enter the temple. This rule has been the subject of controversy in recent years, with the Indian Supreme Court lifting the ban on women entering the temple in 2018.
Q: What are the rules and rituals that devotees have to follow while visiting the Sabarimala Temple?
A: Devotees are required to follow a strict set of rules and rituals in order to prepare for the journey to the Sabarimala Temple. These include abstaining from meat, alcohol, and tobacco, and observing celibacy. Devotees also wear a specific type of garment called a “Mala,” which is a string of prayer beads that symbolizes their devotion to Lord Ayyappa.
Q: What is the annual pilgrimage season at the Sabarimala Temple?
A: The annual pilgrimage season at the Sabarimala Temple falls between November and January. During this time, the temple is visited by millions of devotees from all over India and around the world.
Q: How do I reach the Sabarimala Temple?
A: The Sabarimala Temple is located about 100 km from the city of Kottayam, and is well-connected by roads. Devotees can hire a taxi or take a bus from Kottayam or other nearby cities to reach the temple. The nearest railway station to the temple is the Kottayam Railway Station, and the nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport. Devotees can also hire a taxi or take a bus from these locations to reach the temple.
Q: Are there any hotels or guest houses near the Sabarimala Temple?
A: Yes, there are a number of hotels and guest houses located near the Sabarimala Temple which offer accommodation to devotees visiting the temple. It is recommended that devotees book their accommodations in advance, as the temple is visited by millions of people during the annual pilgrimage season. Devotees can book rooms at these hotels through their websites or by contacting them directly.
