__^__ PILGRIMAGE TO SABARIMALA!!!!!__^__ :)

Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala is one of the famous  temples of Kerala where people come from various states across India.The temple is situated on the hill top, named Sabarimala in Pathannamthitta district surrounded by mountains and dense forest.

View of Sabarimala

To reach the famous Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, the nearest railway station is Chengannur, which is around 93kms from Pamba. KSRTC provides bus facilities from Chengannur to Pamba, during the opening days of the temple. while on the way to Pamba, since the area is plastic-free zone, we can see the beauty of Poomkavanam forest, without any plastic material thrown here and there. 

on the way to Pamba

Hault on the way to Pamba from Chengannur

Taking a holy dip in the sacred river Pamba, where Lord Ayyappan appeared to the pandalam raja as a child on the banks of the river, known as southern Ganga, washes away the sins. Immersing in the Pamba is equivalent to bathing in the Ganga river.

River Pamba before crossing the bridge

River Pamba after crossing the bridge

Sign Board at Pamba

Pandalam Raja Temple

Before commencing the trek through the forest to the Ayyapan temple atop Sabarimala, pilgrims will have the darshan of Lord MahaGanapathi. This temple is situated on the way to Sannidhanam . In addition to mahaganapathy,  nagarajavu, parvathi devi, adimoola ganapathi, hanuman swami, and bhagavan sri rama idols are present in small temples, seperately, for each diety. The modakam(prasadam made of rice) can be purchased from the counter near the Ganapathy temple.

MahaGanapathy Temple

Only males,menopause females beyond 50 years of age and little girls below 10 years of age, irrespective of religion or nationality, are allowed to visit the Ayyapan temple. As Ayyappan is a yogi, these restrictions are strictly observed in the temple. Here, the journey starts to the main temple.

Tramp path

Sabarimala forest

On the way to Sabarimala via foot path, health centers at various places are arranged by Kerala Government,  for the pilgrims ascending the steep Neelimala and Appachimedu hills, along the Swami Ayyappan Road.

Govt.cardiology center 

Foot slog 

Natures view from sabarimala

After reaching  Sabarimala, we can see many Government dispensaries like Homeo, Ayurvedic ,etc.

Govt. Homeo Dispensary

Govt. Ayurveda Dispensary

To enter the temple complex at Sabarimalia, devotiees have to climb Pathinettampadi(18 steps). Pathinettampadi to the sanctum is divine in all aspects. we can see Kaduthaswamay and Karuppaswamy standing at the bottom of Pathinettampadi, who are the guardians of the Sannidhanam. They are dwarapalakas  and safeguard the piligrims from the dark spirits, and to reach the Sannidhanam safely. Only piligrims with IRUMUDI are allowed via Pathinettampadi. For others, who come without deeksha another gateway is provided. We went through this gate.

 We had a nijarupa darshanam of Lord Ayypan, where the idol made of panchaloha is about one and half feet tall, sitting in yogic posture.

 We have taken accommodation  for that day and taken rest, and while returning back, once again we had the darshan of the Lord Ayyapa with flowers alankaram.

Sabarimala Temple

Temple at sayam sandya

Archakas will provide the sandal (gandham) prasadamn to devotees after darshan. Appam, Aravana , vibhudi & kumkuma  can be purchased at the counters provided by Devastanam near Sannidhanam.

Return path way to pamba in other route

Returned to pamba in another route where 2 kms is the same route. From there, we had to go through the subway. This is a road path, full of electric lights and the piligrims can travel even in the nights without fear. We can listen to the melodious chirping sounds of the birds and rustling sounds of forest tree leaves. We can see Lord Ayyapan on the sign boards erected by the forest department.

sign board

once again, we had the darshan of Lord Ganesha, thanked him for arranging the darshan of Lord Ayyapa and prayed for a happy return journey.