Sabarimala

About Sabarimala

Sabarimala - Sabarimala Sree Ayyappaswamy Temple



Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, the Sabarimala Temple is not only one of the famous religious tourist destinations in India but also the most visited temples of India. It is the second largest shrine located in the 18 hills of Western Ghat ranges of Pathanamthitta District. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa who is said to be born from the union of Lord shiva and Lord Vishnu’s female avatar Mohini. He is also known as Hariharputra. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations to visit in South India. With having historical significance, the temple is sure to excite you with some of its lesser-known facts. For instance, were you aware, the Dakshina that is offered to the priests of the temple is in crores of rupees? and the quality of the prasad is checked by Central Food of Technical Research Institute. Well, there are more such interesting facts that have been mentioned in the blog below. So, let us quickly take a look at some of the interesting facts about Sabarimala Temple that you probably didn’t know.


The deity of this ancient Hindu Temple in Kerala is Lord Ayyappa, a Brahmachari who practiced celibacy. The history of Sabarimala temple reveals that the male devotees are opposed to the idea of letting the women belonging to menstrual age group between 10 and 50 years to enter inside the temple. This rule is being followed in the temple for past 1500 years.


The devotees who are planning for Sabarimala Temple Tour enter must follow some rules. While entering the holy shrine devotees are supposed to follow a specific color code which should be either black or blue. Also, they are even seen smearing Vibhuti (ash of the incense sticks) or Sandalwood paste on their forehead while performing the pilgrimage.


The temple is related to the history of Lord Ayyappa and is believed to be constructed on the land where he killed Mahishi who was a buffalo-faced demoness, the sister of demon Mahishasura.


The literal meaning of Makara Jyothi is a star which is worshipped by people following Hinduism and are devotees of the Sabarimala temple. Also, it is believed by the devotees that Lord Ayyappa himself blesses them in the form of a star. It is those rare days other than the ordinary days when temple complex is open between November 15 and December 26 and April 14. Tourist can even make a visit during the first five days of the Malayalam calendar.

These were some of the fascinating facts that are related to Ayyappa Temple, one of the popular pilgrimage destinations in Kerala. The temple is definitely worth a visit as it brings the devotees closer to God. If you are seeking peace and blessing of Lord Ayyappa then head to Kerala where you can witness the power of faith.

Timing: The temple opens during rare days of Makara Jyothi


Speciality of Sabarimala

  • The practice of celibacy by the devotees has been in place for 1500 years
  • Devotees follow a specific color code
  • The temple is situated where Lord Ayyappa killed the demoness Mahishi
  • The temple is nestled amid 18 hills and has 18 stairs
  • There is a mosque in the vicinity of the temple
  • The temple got its name from the epic Ramayana
  • Devotees need to follow a strict fasting ritual before entering the temple
  • Devotees have to follow certain rules while undertaking the Sabarimala Temple tour
  • Pilgrims follow the ritual called Neyyabhishekam
  • The Prasadam served also represents a local delicacy
  • The prominent Hindu temple is the largest pilgrimage in the world