Located at a height of almost 1000 meters above sea level on the Sahyadri ranges in Western Ghats, lies one of the most important shrines of India known by the name of Sabarimala. The Sabarimala temple of Kerala is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, who is said to have meditated here after killing the demon Mahishi. Some legends also say that Parashuram, who created Kerala, installed the idol of Lord Ayyappa and worshipped him. The Sabarimala pilgrimage attracts thousands of devotees from all over India during the peak season of November to January.
Not everyone can take a tour to Sabarimala Kerala. One needs to observe strict discipline like abstinence from alcohol, smoking and other comforts of life. You are supposed to lead life like an ascetic for 41 days before embarking on the journey to Sabarimala. Women between the ages of 10-50 are not allowed to go on this pilgrimage. The pilgrimage is open to all irrespective of caste, creed and religion. It sets a perfect example of harmonious co-existence of different religions and sects. Everyone is a devotee of the Lord, not Hindu, Muslim or Christian. Before reaching the temple, everyone is supposed to worship a shrine that is dedicated to a Muslim saint.Sabarimala Temple in Kerala,Sabarimala Temple Tour,Kerala Sabarimala Temple Tour,Sabarimala Temple Tours Kerala
The temple is reached by climbing a flight of 18 steps covered in gold. These 18 steps signify different aspects of human nature like intelligence, anger, the 5 senses, etc. One who crosses these 18 steps is said to have attained "Punyadarshanam". In January every year, thousands of devotees gather at Sabarimala to view the "Makaravilaku" or divine flame that is visible during one particular day of the Makara star. When dusk falls, a small flame arises in a distance, between two hills just opposite the temple. The temple comes alive with the praises of the Lord filling the air.
The most auspicious day of the Sabarimala Pilgrimage is the Makara Vilakku Day somewhere around January 14th every year. Thousands of pilgrims pay their visit to the Sabarimala Temple to seek the blessings of Lord Ayyappa. One also gets the view of Makara Vilakku from Sabarimala Temple. It is a light that is visible on a nearby hill and is believed to be an indication of the presence of the divine.
On Sabarimala Temple Tour, you will witness the fine instance of religious tolerance and communal harmony. Near the Sabarimala Temple is the shrine of Vavar, a Muslim friend and devotee of Lord Ayyappa. Pilgrims who visit the Sabarimala Temple also pay obeisance at the shrine of Vavar.
The Main Festival
Sabarimala is one of the most important Hindu temples of Kerala. The Sabarimala Temple festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Ayyapan who is revered by all in India.
There are two main pujas called the Mandal Puja and the Makara Sankranti Puja, which are celebrated from November to Middle of January in Kerala, during which time the devotees perform austerities and penance.
The Penance
Devotees undergo rigorous penance and austere living before starting on the pilgrimage. Devotees wear black 'dhotis' and are bare-chested as they prepare for the pilgrimage to Sabarimala.Sabarimala Temple in Kerala,Sabarimala Temple Tour,Kerala Sabarimala Temple Tour,Sabarimala Temple Tours Kerala
The temple is at the top of the Neeli hills and the devotees have to climb the treacherous route carrying their meagre provision in a bundle called "Iru Mudi" meaning in "two folds".
The distance from the base of the hill to the top takes about three days to cover and the most important part of the pilgrimage are the final 18 steps, which lead to the temple. The temple dome is covered with gold and the devotees break the coconuts before climbing the steps.
An Unmatched Instance of Religious Tolerance
Tample Opposite the main temple complex, there is a smaller temple for the Muslim god called Wavar, who is an ally of Lord Ayyapa.
Signifying religious tolerance and harmony of the olden days, the devotees pay obeisance to Lord Wavar, on their way to the main temple. After the devotees complete their pujas and offerings, they return to the base of the hill and return to their homes.
The people making the pilgrimage for the first time are known as "Kanni Swamys" and the person leading the group is known as 'Guru Swamy' or the lead person of a team who is incharge of all the rituals.
THE GREAT MAKARA JYOTHI
The most anticipated event at Sabarimala is the Makara Jothi (usually on January 14th). Thiruvabaranam or the sacred jewels of the Lord (presented by Padalam King) arrives at Sabarimala in three boxes. On the arrival of the jewel boxes the whole mountain reverberates to the chanting of 'Saranam Ayyappa' by millions of devotees gathered there to watch the eventSabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple India, Temple of Sabarimala, sabarimala temple india .
The Thiruvabaranam box - still the private property of the Pandalam royal family, starts it journey two days before Makara Jothi day from Pandalam. The person who carries the box dances in a trance that can be believed only by who witnesses it. Thiruvabaranam travels through Valiakoikkal Sastha temple at Pandalam, Ayiroor Puthia Kavu Temple, Perunattil temple, Vlakkai, Nilaikkal Siva temple, Vellachimala, Pamba and Sabari Peedam before reaching at Sannidhanam around 6.00 PM on the Makara Jothi day. Every year a Garuda hovers and flies above the Thiruvabaranam boxes as if to guard them.On reaching the Sannidhanam the Melshanthi and Thandhri receive the sacred jewels amidst of thundering echoes of Sarana ghosham. The Thiruvabaranam box contains a diamond crown, golden bracelets, necklaces and a sword. The priests adorn the Lord with these and perform arathi. At the same moment a brilliant light of amazing magnificence appears in the northeastern side to the temple at opposite mountain in a place called Kantamala (the home of devas and rishis). It is believed that this brilliant flame of light is the arathi performed by the rishis and the devas. This event marks the culmination of the pilgrimage to Sabarimala.