Hare Krishna
Sabarimala Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Kerala, India. It is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a revered deity in Hinduism. The temple is known for its unique traditions and attracts millions of devotees each year, especially during the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Ayyappa, who is considered to be a union of Lord Vishnu (In his Mohini Avatar) and Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that Lord Ayyappa is a celibate deity and embark on a spiritual journey to seek his blessings. The pilgrimage season at Sabarimala begins in November and ends in January. The most significant days are during the Makar Sankranti festival, when the Makaravilakku is observed. Devotees follow strict austerities during the pilgrimage, and there are specific dress codes and rituals to be followed.
Devotees who plan to visit Sabarimala undertake a 41-day vow of self-discipline and abstinence known as "Vratham." During this period, they observe strict rules, including celibacy, vegetarianism, abstinence from alcohol, and refrain from cutting hair or nails. The devotees carry Irumidi (cotton cloth bag) on their head which has Pooja items in it. The pathway leading to the main sanctum sanctorum has 18 sacred steps, which are believed to represent the 18 hills surrounding the temple. Only male devotees between the ages of 12 and 70 who have completed the Vratham are allowed to climb these steps and have the darshan (sacred view) of the deity.
Sabarimala has been historically known for its tradition of prohibiting women of menstruating age (typically between 10 and 50 years) from entering the temple. This tradition has been the subject of much controversy and legal challenges in recent years. Devotees can reach the temple via different trekking routes through the dense forests. The main pathways are the Pamba route and the Erumeli route, and both provide a spiritual and challenging journey for the devotees. The temple hosts several festivals, with the most prominent being the Makaravilakku festival during the Makar Sankranti. The event involves the ceremonial lighting of a lamp atop Ponnambalamedu, a nearby hill, which is believed to be Lord Ayyappa's abode during this time.
Sabarimala Temple holds immense cultural and religious significance for Hindus, and the pilgrimage is considered a transformative and purifying experience for devotees who undertake it. The temple's unique traditions and rituals make it one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in India.
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