SABARIMALAI!

Sabarimalai is a pilgrim center in Kerala in the Western Ghats mountain ranges in India. Lord Ayyappa temple situated here in the midst of 18 hills. The area is in Sahya hilly areas in Kerala in Pathanamthitta District. The temple is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 1260m sea level and is surrounded by mountains and dense forests.

Sabarimalai believed to be the place where Ayyappan meditated after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi. Sabarimalai is one of the most visited pilgrim's center in the world with an estimated 4.5 to 5 crores devotees coming every year. The world's second largest annual pilgrimage in Mecca after the Hajj. Pilgrim Travel to Sabarimalai is a unique example of one where pilgrims irrespective of caste, creed, position or social status, go with a mind and a 'mantra' dreaming constantly of the darshan of the President deity at the Holy Sannidhanam. Vehicles can go up to Pampa, then pilgrims have to follow a path around four kilometers up a steep hill.

Lord Ayyappan: Lord Ayyappan is grown in a number of shrines across India. He is adored as a child in Kulathupuzha, in Kerala, on Achenkovil with its Spouses, Pushkala and Poorna and Sabarimalai as an ascetic - a celibate meditating in solitude for the benefit of all mankind. The name "Ayyappan" used as a respectful form of address in Malayalam and the famous mantra 'Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa' can be directly translated as "Give me shelter, Lord Ayyappa!" The most famous Ayyappa shrine in India is one of Sabarimalai with over 50 million fans visit each year.

Neyyabhishekam: (Irumudi) This significant ritual involves pouring sacred ghee brought by pilgrims in their Irumudi the idol of Lord Ayyappa. It symbolically means the merger of Jeevatma with Paramatma.

Homakunda: There used to be big homakunda front of the shrine, which burned constantly, fed by the coconut shells thrown by the devotees, after offering ghee. As the coconut shells are consumed by fire, the sins of the devotees are believed to be purified. Because of the growing crowds in the temple, homakunda has now been moved to a location within the temple.

Makara Jothi: Makarajyoti is the extraterrestrial star, who is worshiped by the pilgrims. The main worship rituals performed on the day of Makara Sankaranthi (every January 14) days. This makes it the second largest number of pilgrims in the country. Supporters believe that a witness in court to bring them good luck and divine blessings. The Makara Jyothi marks the climax of Makaravilakku season of Pilgrimage Sabarimalai goods 41 days.

Erumeli Sastha temple: Erumeli Sastha temple, an important meeting place of pilgrimage trip to Sabarimalai is known at many points. There is also a Muslim Temple very close to the Sastha temple. Ayyappan go Sabarimalai after worshiping at these two locations, which symbolizes the Hindu-Muslim unity. Pilgrims go to Sabarimalai after 'Pettathullal' on Erumeli. Pilgrims to Sabarimalai without Pettaithullal and worship at the above

temples are against the traditional dogma. Erumeli Temple is situated at a distance of 38 km from Kottayam. Nearest railway station is Kottayam. Accommodation available at the Devasthanam Guest House, Sannithanam and the Forest Department and Kerala State Electricity Board.