Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple also popularly known as Sabarimala Temple is one of the most ancient Hindu temples in India. It is located in Sabarimala i.e. inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve Forest in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. The Sabarimala temple is dedicated to the Lord Ayyappa who is believed to be the son of lord shiva and Mohini.
Sabarimala Temple Facts
Every year 40 million to 50 million devotees visit the Sabarimala temple. It the world’s top site with the largest annual pilgrimage in the world. The is located on a hilltop surrounded by forest and mountains.
Sabarimala Opening Dates
The pilgrims start to visit Sabarimala temple for darshan between the month of November to January. The devotees from across India, as well as the whole world, come here for the darshan of Lord Ayyappa and get the blessings. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except the first 5 days of Malayalam month that falls in the month of April during Vishu.
Who all can visit Sabarimala Temple
Unlike some Hindu temples, the Sabarimala Temple has no restrictions on the basis of caste, and creed. The males of all age groups are allowed to visit the temple for the darshan. Also, the women who have either passed their fertility age and those before reaching the stage of puberty are allowed.
How to visit Sabarimala Temple Via Airport, Train, Bus
The easiest route to the Sabarimala is via Chalakkayam. The pilgrims can reach the main halting point at the bank of Pamba river by a vehicle. From this point, the devoters shall walk for 5km approx to reach the temple.
The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport that is located 170 kilometers. One can also consider the Cochin International Airport which is 160km from the temple.
The nearby railway stations from Sabarimala are Chengannur (82 km), Kottayam (120 km), Kayamkulam Junction (102 km), Sasthamkotta (100 km), Punalur (100 km) and Kollam Junction (129 km).
For the essay of the visitors, the state government also runs frequent direct buses to Sabarimala from Pandalam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kumili.
