Pilgrimage to Sabarimala – Hill Shrine of Lord Ayyappa

Pilgrimage to Sabarimala – Hill Shrine of Lord Ayyappa

Millions of devotees undertake an arduous journey to the hill shrine of Sabarimala - one of the biggest pilgrimages in India that is only open from mid-November to mid-January every year. The pilgrimage to this Ayyappa temple situated in Kerala at an altitude of 914 meter is a long uphill journey on foot though forests and rough terrain that does not seem to deter pilgrims that number between 30-50 million every year.

The Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is famous for the 41-day 'Mandala Kalam' - an auspicious period of worship that begins at on the first day of the Malayalam month 'Vrischikam' in mid-November. This year the Sabarimala Shrine opened on November 16, and is scheduled to remains open for 41 days, ending December 27, with another 'Mandala Puja' followed by a 2-day break. The shrine then reopens on December 30 for the 'Makaravilakku Puja,' and remains open for 'darshan' or visit until January 14, the day of Pongal and Makarsankranti.

The Sabarimala temple is insured for 300 million Indian rupees by its administrative board. All pilgrims and officials on duty get a free accident insurance cover for any injury or death on the 18 km climb from Nilakkal to Sannidhanam. Before embarking on pilgrimage, all devotees need to wear 'Mudra Mala' or a necklace made of Rudraksha or Tulsi beads, and enter into a period of 'vratham' or austerities for 41 days. Religion is no bar as people from all faith can enter the temple except children and women of certain age group.