Sabarimala, Lord Ayyappan is a symbol of religious unity and communal harmony -- Southindia Info

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Sabarimala

Lord Ayyappan is a symbol of religious unity and communal harmony. Being born out of Mohini and Lord Shiva, he is also known as Dharmasastha, Hariharan, Ayyanar and Manikantan. There are several temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappan all over India. Among these the important temples along the Western Ghats are Kulathupuzha (Swami Ayyappan is a child here), Aryyankavu (Swami Ayyappan is a bachelor here), Achankovil (Swami Ayyappan is as Dharmasastha with Poorna and Pushkala) Sabarimala (Swami Ayyappan is a yogi here), meditating for the benefit of all.

Sabarimala is situated in the western Ghats mountains at an elevation of 3000 feet above sea level. It is open from Mid- November to Mid-January and for first five days of every Malayalam month.

The pilgrims undergo 41 days of fast to cleanse the mind. He wears black or blue cloths and a garland of Mint or Rudraksha. Personal adornments, hair cutting, shaving, etc are taboo. Total abstinence from all vices like alcohol, tobacco, non-vegetarian food and sex is stipulated. Simple living, absolute cleanliness and holy thoughts are the mainstay of the period. With out proper fasting and it is forbidden to visit the temple or climb the holy 18 Steps. A fasting of at least 41 days must be undertaken so that physical fitness and mental conditioning are achieved before the arduous trek.

Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and the devotees carries bundle called "Irumudi" containing traditional offerings. Unlike certain Hindu temples, Sabarimala temple has no restrictions of caste or creed. The temple is open to males of all age groups and to women who have either passed their fertility age and those before reaching the stage of puberty.

The easiest route is via Chalakkayam, by which one can reach the banks of the river Pamba by vehicle. Pamba is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. From here one has to trek 4 to 5 kms to reach the temple.