Sabrimala, located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, is a renowned Hindu pilgrimage destination. Every year, millions of devotees undertake a challenging journey to seek blessings from Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of the Sabrimala Temple. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to Sabrimala, including its history, significance, rituals, and practical information for visitors.
History of Sabrimala
The history of Sabrimala dates back centuries, and the temple has deep-rooted mythological significance. According to legend, Lord Ayyappa, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, meditated at Sabrimala to slay the demoness Mahishi. The temple was believed to be created by Lord Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Over time, Sabrimala has become a symbol of religious harmony and attracts devotees from various backgrounds.
Significance of Sabrimala
Sabrimala holds immense spiritual significance for devotees. It is believed that by undertaking the pilgrimage and observing strict austerities, one can attain spiritual liberation and blessings from Lord Ayyappa. The journey to Sabrimala is considered a test of faith and devotion, as devotees follow a set of rituals and undertake a 41-day penance before visiting the temple. The pilgrimage season, known as the “Mandalam-Makaravilakku” season, attracts the largest number of devotees.
Rituals and Practices
Devotees who wish to visit Sabrimala must observe certain rituals and practices. The 41-day penance, known as “Vratham,” involves abstaining from non-vegetarian food, alcohol, tobacco, and engaging in celibacy. During this period, devotees recite prayers, chant mantras, and lead a disciplined life. They also wear a distinctive black attire and follow a vegetarian diet. The pilgrimage culminates with the “Makaravilakku” festival, celebrated in January, when a celestial light is witnessed atop the nearby Ponnambalamedu Hill.
Sabrimala Offering Rates
For doing Puja also know as worship in Sbrimala Temple there are some offering rates. Below is the table for offering rates:
| Sl. No | Offerings | Amount in Rs. | |
| 1 | Usha Pooja | 1000.00 | |
| 2 | Ucha Pooja | 2500.00 | |
| 3 | Nithya Pooja | 3000.00 | |
| 4 | Aravana | 80.00 | |
| 5 | Appam | 40.00 | |
| 6 | Ganapathi Homam | 300.00 | |
| 7 | Bhagavathi Seva | 2000.00 | |
| 8 | Pushpabhishekom | 10000.00 | |
| 9 | Kalabhabhishekam | 10000.00 | |
| 10 | Ashtabhishekam | 5000.00 | |
| 11 | Laksharchana | 10000.00 | Article should be produced by the pilgrim |
| 12 | Sahasra Kalasam | 50000.00 | Do |
| 13 | Padi Pooja | 75000.00 | |
| 14 | Udayasthamana Pooja | 40000.00 | |
| 15 | Ulsavabali | 30000.00 | Article should be produced by the pilgrim |
| 16 | Muzhukkappu | 750.00 | |
| 17 | Sahasra Namarchana | 50.00 | |
| 18 | Ashtothararchana | 30.00 | |
| 19 | Thulabharam | 500.00 | |
| 20 | Neyyabhishekom | 10.00 | |
| 21 | Vibhoothi Prasadam | 25.00 | |
| 22 | Vella Nivedyam 200ml | 20.00 | |
| 23 | Sarkkara Payasam 200 ml | 20.00 | |
| 24 | Panchamritham 100 ml | 100.00 | |
| 25 | Panchamritham 500ml Abhishekam | 100.00 | |
| 26 | Abhishekam Neyy 100 ml | 100.00 | |
| 27 | Swayamvararchana | 50.00 | |
| 28 | Navagraha Pooja | 250.00 | |
| 29 | Otta Graha Pooja | 50.00 | |
| 30 | Valsan Nivedyam | 50.00 | |
| 31 | Gold Ornaments Pooja | 100.00 | |
| 32 | Ayyappa Chakram | 200.00 | |
| 33 | Mala/Vadi Pooja / | 20.00 | |
| 34 | Nelppara | 200.00 | |
| 35 | Manjalppara | 300.00 | |
| 36 | Navagraha Neyy Vilakku | 100.00 | |
| 37 | Vidyarambham | 101.00 | |
| 38 | Manjal Kumkum sale | 40.00 | |
| 39 | Malar Nivedyam | 20.00 | |
| 40 | Adima | 250.00 | |
| 41 | Thanka Anki Charth | 10000.00 | |
| 42 | Silver Anki Charth | 5000.00 | |
| 43 | Choroonu | 250.00 | |
| 44 | Namakaranam | 100.00 | |
| 45 | Poojicha Mani Big | 100.00 | |
| 46 | Poojicha Mani Small | 50.00 | |
| 47 | Neeranjanam | 100.00 | |
| 48 | Udayada Charth | 25.00 | |
| 49 | Udayada Nadakku Vayppu | 25.00 | |
| 50 | Manjal Kumkumabhishekam | 40.00 | |
| 51 | Nagar Pooja | 50.00 | |
| 52 | Vara Nivedyam | 20.00 | |
| 53 | Sathrupushpanjali | 500.00 | |
| 54 | Hariharasooktha Slokarchana | 500.00 | |
| 55 | Sathrusookthanjali | 500.00 | |
| 56 | Neyy Vilakku | 25.00 | |
| 57 | Pushapalamkaram | 50000.00 |
Pampa
| Sl No. | Offerings | Amount in Rs. |
| 1 | Ganapathi Homam | 300 |
| 2 | Charadujapam | 15.00 |
| 3 | Aval Nivedyam | 50.00 |
| 4 | Vadamala | 200.00 |
| 5 | Modakam | 50.00 |
| 6 | Archana | 25.00 |
| 7 | Kettunira | 250.00 |
Practical Information for Visitors
If you plan to visit Sabrimala, here are some essential details to keep in mind:
How to Reach Sabrimala
The nearest airport to Sabrimala is Cochin International Airport, which is approximately 160 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the base camp. The nearest railway station is Kottayam, around 120 kilometers from Sabrimala. Regular bus services are available from major cities in Kerala to the base camp, Pampa.
Best Time to Visit
The Sabrimala Temple is open for worship during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season, which usually begins in mid-November and lasts until mid-January. The most significant days during this period are the first day of the Malayalam month “Vrischikam” and the Makaravilakku day in mid-January. It is advisable to check the temple’s official website or consult with local authorities for the exact dates and any updates regarding COVID-19 protocols.
Accommodation and Facilities
There are various accommodation options available near Sabrimala, ranging from basic guesthouses to more comfortable hotels. It is recommended to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during the peak pilgrimage season. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) provides bus services from Pampa to the temple, and there are also facilities for baggage storage, medical aid, and food at Pampa.
In conclusion, Sabrimala is a revered pilgrimage destination that offers a unique spiritual experience to its visitors. The rich history, cultural significance, and rigorous rituals associated with Sabrimala make it an intriguing place for devotees and tourists alike. Plan your visit to Sabrimala, embrace the spiritual journey, and immerse yourself in the divine aura of this sacred place.
Helpline Numbers for Devotees:
എമർജൻസി ഓപ്പറേറ്റിംഗ് സെന്റർ
04735 202166
04735 203255
നിലയ്ക്കൽ
04735 205002
പത്തനംതിട്ട ജില്ലാ ദുരന്തനിവാരണ അതോറിറ്റി
0468 2322515
പമ്പ പൊലിസ് സ്റ്റേഷൻ
04735 203412
നിലയ്ക്കൽ പൊലിസ് സ്റ്റേഷൻ
04735 205207
സന്നിധാനം പൊലീസ് സ്റ്റേഷൻ
04735 202014
പത്തനംതിട്ട വനിതാ പൊലീസ് സ്റ്റേഷൻ
0468 2272100
പത്തനംതിട്ട എസ് പി ഓഫീസ്
0468 2222636
എമർജൻസി മെഡിക്കൽ സെന്റർ കൺട്രോൾ റൂം
04735 203232
നിലയ്ക്കൽ സർക്കാർ ആശുപത്രി
04735 205202
പത്തനംതിട്ട ജില്ലാ ആശുപത്രി.. ശബരിമലവാർഡ്
9188746248
സന്നിധാനം സർക്കാർ ആശുപത്രി
04735 202101
സേഫ് സോൺ പദ്ധതി
9400044991,9562318181,
ഫയർഫോഴ്സ് സന്നിധാനം
0468 2222426 (ഓഫീസ്)
04735 202033
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04735 202074