In the Perinad Village, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India, the Sabarimala Temple is a temple complex on Sabarimala Hill inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve. With an estimated 40 to 50 million devotees arriving each year, it is one of the busiest annual pilgrimage destinations in the world.
Among the rugged hills of the Western Ghats, one can glimpse Indian tradition in the temples and places of worship in Sabarimala. Here one may find the holy temple that is dedicated to Lord Ayyappan. So, pilgrims from all over the world come here during the time of worship of the Lord and pay homage to him by lighting candles.
History of Sabarimala
Sabarimala is located at the top of a hill station, 1260 meters above the ground, and in the middle of 18 hills. It is believed that Lord Sabrimala meditated in the mountains after killing the fierce demon Mahishi, who was engaged in the destruction game.
Sabarimala is a unique example of a pilgrim spot where people of all castes and creeds can visit and pay homage to Lord Ayyappan.
This gathering in the Holy Sannidhanam is a spectacular specimen of Indian secularity and the benevolence of India.
How to Reach Sabarimala
The nearest railway stations are Kottayam and Chengannur, while the nearest airports are Trivandrum and Cochin. After reaching these regions, you can avail yourself of any hired car or bus that heads to your destination. KSRTC has started bus services to Coimbatore, Palani, and Thenkasi from Pampa for the convenience of Sabarimala pilgrims. Besides, the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka governments have been permitted to operate buses to Pampa. A chain service exists between Pampa and Nilackal base camps.
Sabarimala temple timings
Morning 3:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Evening 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
(Aarti timings are different, kindly check before visiting)
Sabarimala Temple Opening Dates
The Sabarimala temple is different from other temples in that it only allows worship on specific days. These dates include Madalpooja, which occurs from around November 15th to December 26th, Makara Sankranti on January 14th, and Maha Vishuva Sankranti on April 14th. Additionally, the temple is open for the first five days of every Malayalam month.
Best time to visit Sabarimala temple
The best time to visit Sabarimala Temple is from November to January.
Dress code for Sabarimala temple
Men seeking the Lord's blessings must adhere to a strict dress code at the Sabarimala Temple. Any upper clothing, such as shirts or vests, is prohibited. In addition, one must be dressed in a dark blue, orange, or black dhoti to see the Lord. Women between the ages of 10 and 55 are prohibited from visiting Sabarimala. Women over the age limit should wear a saree inside the temple grounds.
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee.
If you are planning to visit Sabarimala temple, then you must check out our Kerala tour packages.
Tips
1. To assist children and older adults in case they get lost in the crowd, ID cards with names, addresses, and phone numbers should be hung around their necks.
2. Using mobile phones on the temple premises is not advisable.
3. Carrying plastic bags beyond Nilakkal is prohibited.
4. Avoid scattering camphor or burned wood carelessly because they could start forest fires.
