Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is one of the most visited pilgrimage centers in India.
It is located in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve, surrounded by dense forests and hills of the Western Ghats.
Every year, nearly 40 to 50 million pilgrims from across India and abroad visit this sacred hill shrine. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, who is considered a symbol of discipline, equality, and devotion.
Unlike many other temples, Sabarimala is open to people of all religions and backgrounds who follow the 41-day vratham (penance).
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Location and Geography
- State: Kerala
- District: Pathanamthitta
- Nearest Town: Pamba (6 km below the hill temple)
- Altitude: About 1,260 meters (4,134 feet) above sea level
- Coordinates: 9.43°N, 77.08°E
The temple is situated on Sabarimala Hill, surrounded by 18 hills and dense tropical forest.
The area forms part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, which spreads over 925 square kilometers.
The nearest river, Pamba River, flows at the base of the hill, where pilgrims take a holy bath before trekking up to the temple.
Historical Background
The history of Sabarimala goes back over 800 to 1000 years.
According to temple records, the present structure was rebuilt in 1950 after it was damaged by fire.
The legend says that Manikandan, the divine child of Lord Shiva and Mohini (the female form of Vishnu), meditated at Sabarimala after defeating the demoness Mahishi.
Later, a temple was built at that place to honor his penance and message of peace.
The first Thantri (chief priest) of Sabarimala was from the Thazhamon family, and this tradition continues even today.
Architecture and Structure
The temple design follows traditional Kerala style architecture.
It has:
- A gold-plated roof (Ananthavattam)
- A sanctum sanctorum (Sreekovil)
- 18 sacred steps (Pathinettam Padi) leading to the main shrine
These 18 steps represent various spiritual stages or elements.
Only devotees who have observed the 41-day penance can climb them.
The main idol of Ayyappa is made of panchaloha (five metals). The sanctum faces east, allowing sunlight to touch the idol during specific days of the year.
The 41-Day Vratham (Penance)
Before visiting Sabarimala, devotees must follow a 41-day austerity period called Vratham.
During this time, they:
- Wear black or blue clothes
- Avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tobacco
- Refrain from shaving or cutting hair
- Practice celibacy
- Lead a simple, disciplined life
This period is meant to develop self-control, equality, and inner purity.
Pilgrimage Route and Access
a. Main Route (Traditional Path)
- Pilgrims usually start their journey from Erumeli, which is about 60 km from Pathanamthitta.
- They walk through forests and hills covering a distance of about 45 km to reach Pamba.
- From Pamba, the final trek of 5 to 6 km leads to the hill temple.
b. Alternate Routes
- Pamba to Sannidhanam (5.5 km) – Most popular modern route.
- Chalakkayam Route – Shorter route with better road access.
- Vandiperiyar and Sathram Routes – For pilgrims from Tamil Nadu.
The trek generally takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on health and crowd.
Temple Opening Dates (2025)
The temple is not open all year. It opens only on specific days and festivals.
| Occasion | Approximate Date (2025) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mandala Pooja | Nov 17 – Dec 27 | 41 days |
| Makaravilakku Festival | Jan 14 | 7 days |
| Vishu (Malayalam New Year) | April 14 | 2 days |
| Monthly Opening (Each Malayalam Month) | 1st to 5th day | 5 days each month |
During the Mandala-Makaravilakku season, over 35 million pilgrims visit Sabarimala, making it one of the largest annual gatherings in the world.
Rules and Regulations
To maintain order and safety, strict rules are followed:
- Women between ages 10 and 50 (reproductive age group) traditionally do not enter the temple due to the deity’s celibate nature. This rule has been the subject of legal and social debate.
- Plastic items, alcohol, and meat are strictly banned in and around Sabarimala.
- Devotees must carry an Irumudi Kettu, a twin bag containing offerings and personal items.
- All visitors must register online through the Virtual Queue System to control overcrowding.
The Kerala Police and Travancore Devaswom Board handle safety and crowd management. In 2023, about 2.5 lakh pilgrims were allowed each day during the peak season.
Facilities and Accommodation
a. At Pamba:
- Pilgrim rest sheds and free dormitories
- Drinking water and toilet facilities
- Medical centers and police help desks
- Canteens serving vegetarian food
b. At Sannidhanam (Hilltop):
- Guest houses run by the Travancore Devaswom Board
- Cloakrooms and luggage storage
- Solar power and bio-waste management systems
- Free food distribution (Annadanam) halls
Private lodges and hotels are available in nearby towns like Pathanamthitta (72 km) and Ranni (60 km).
Safety, Environment, and Management
The area around Sabarimala lies within an eco-sensitive forest zone, so preserving nature is very important.
- Plastic and littering are completely banned.
- The “Green Sabarimala” initiative started in 2011 aims to keep the pilgrimage environment-friendly.
- Around 15,000 police personnel and medical staff are deployed during the peak season.
- Emergency clinics and helipads are kept ready for accidents.
- CCTV surveillance and GPS-based crowd control systems are used.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) manages the temple, supported by the Kerala state government.
Important Numerical Data (Key Facts)
| Parameter | Data / Number |
|---|---|
| Temple altitude | 1,260 meters |
| Total pilgrims per year | 40–50 million |
| Distance from Pamba to Sannidhanam | 5.5 km |
| Distance from Pathanamthitta | 72 km |
| Number of sacred steps | 18 |
| Temple area | 10 acres (approx.) |
| Year of reconstruction | 1950 |
| Number of forest routes | 4 |
| Duration of Vratham | 41 days |
| Main festival crowd | 3–5 million on Makaravilakku day |
| Nearest airport | Kochi (154 km), Thiruvananthapuram (170 km) |
Best Time to Visit and Travel Tips
- Best Season: November to January (Mandala and Makaravilakku period).
- Avoid Rainy Months: June to September due to slippery paths.
- Dress Code: Black, blue, or saffron clothes.
- Footwear: Simple sandals or barefoot walking near temple.
- Health Check: Since the climb is steep, elderly or unfit people should take medical advice.
- Eco Advice: Carry reusable bottles and avoid plastic.
During peak season, trains and buses to Pathanamthitta and Chengannur get fully booked early, so planning in advance is advised.
Overview Table
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple |
| Location | Pathanamthitta District, Kerala |
| Altitude | 1,260 meters |
| Main Deity | Lord Ayyappa |
| Built / Rebuilt | Rebuilt in 1950 |
| Distance from Pamba | 5.5 km uphill |
| Pilgrims per Year | 40–50 million |
| Temple Timings (Season) | 4:00 AM–11:00 PM (Mandala season) |
| Main Festivals | Mandala Pooja, Makaravilakku, Vishu |
| Nearest Airport | Kochi (154 km), Thiruvananthapuram (170 km) |
| Managed by | Travancore Devaswom Board |
| Eco Initiative | Green Sabarimala Project |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Where is Sabarimala Temple located?
Sabarimala Temple is located in the forests of the Western Ghats in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, about 72 km from the district headquarters.
Q2. How can one reach Sabarimala?
The nearest railway station is Chengannur (90 km). From there, buses and taxis go to Pamba, and from Pamba, it’s a 5.5 km uphill trek to the temple.
Q3. When is Sabarimala Temple open?
The temple opens during Mandala Pooja (Nov–Dec), Makaravilakku (Jan), Vishu (April), and the first five days of each Malayalam month.
Q4. Is there any age restriction for women?
Traditionally, women aged 10 to 50 years do not enter the shrine due to the deity’s celibate nature. This practice has been under legal and social discussion.
Q5. How long is the Ayyappa Vratham?
The Vratham lasts for 41 days, requiring followers to maintain discipline, vegetarian diet, and simplicity.
Q6. What is the distance of the trek from Pamba?
The trekking distance from Pamba to Sannidhanam is about 5.5 km, which takes around 2 to 3 hours to climb.
Q7. How many pilgrims visit each year?
Approximately 40 to 50 million devotees visit the temple annually, making it one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world.
Q8. Are there medical and safety facilities available?
Yes, medical centers, emergency clinics, and police units operate 24 hours during the pilgrimage season.
Q9. Which is the best time to visit Sabarimala?
Between November and January is ideal. Avoid monsoon season (June–September).
Q10. Can non-Hindus visit Sabarimala?
Yes, people of all faiths can visit if they follow the pilgrimage discipline and respect the temple customs.