Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
Also known as Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple
One of the largest pilgrimages in the world. Devotees follow a 41-day vratha before climbing the 18 sacred steps (Pathinettam Padi) to see Ayyappa.
Photos of Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple at a Glance
| Location | Sabarimala, Kerala |
|---|---|
| Presiding deity | Ayyappa |
| Established | Ancient |
| Architecture | Kerala |
| Timings | Nov–Jan (Mandala–Makaravilakku), 14th of every Malayalam month |
| Best time to visit | Mid-November to mid-January for the main season (with the heaviest crowds); the monthly openings are quieter. |
| Address | Sabarimala, Pathanamthitta 689711 |
About Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
Sabarimala sits on a forested hilltop in the Western Ghats of Kerala's Pathanamthitta district and is dedicated to Ayyappa, also called Dharma Sastha. It draws tens of millions of pilgrims a year and is regarded as one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world, open to people of every caste and creed.
Ayyappa is described in tradition as the son of Shiva and Mohini, the female form of Vishnu, raised as a prince of the Pandalam dynasty and later a warrior who retired to Sabarimala as a celibate. A shrine to Vavar, a Muslim companion of Ayyappa in the legend, stands at Erumely on the pilgrim route, which gives the pilgrimage a distinctly shared character.
History of Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
Pilgrimage revived in the 12th century by the Pandalam king. Temple was rebuilt after a fire in 1950.
Architecture of Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
The temple stands on a platform at the top of the hill, reached by 18 sacred steps called the Pathinettam Padi, covered in panchaloha, a five-metal alloy. Only pilgrims who carry the sacred bundle, the irumudikettu, and who have observed the vow may climb them.
The sanctum is small and plain, with a sloping copper roof topped by golden finials, reflecting the Kerala style. Next to the main temple is the shrine of Malikappurathamma, and the walls display a Tamil inscription over the entrance: "Tat Tvam Asi", you are that.
Rituals and Worship at Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
Pilgrims observe a 41-day vratha beforehand: they abstain from meat, alcohol and tobacco, wear black or blue clothing and a tulsi or rudraksha bead garland, and address each other as Swami. They carry an irumudikettu, a two-compartment bundle with ghee for the deity and offerings for the journey.
The season peaks between mid-November and mid-January, with the Mandala Puja around late December and the Makaravilakku on Makara Sankranti in mid-January, when a celestial light appears on the Ponnambalamedu hill. The temple opens for a few days every Malayalam month outside the main season.
Festivals Celebrated at Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
- Mandala Puja
- Makaravilakku
- Thiruvabharanam Procession
Visiting Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple: Planning Your Trip
Booking is essential. The Kerala Police's virtual queue system and the Devaswom Board's online services issue timed darshan slots, and unregistered visitors can face long delays. The route starts at Pamba, from where the climb to the Sannidhanam is around 4 to 5 km.
The shrine's entry rules for women and the arrangements for the season are subject to current legal and administrative decisions, so check the latest notices from the Travancore Devaswom Board before travelling. Carry light clothing for the humid climb, and keep a rain cover.
How to Reach Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
Trek from Pamba (5 km); Pamba is reached by bus from Kottayam (94 km) or Kochi (200 km).
Temples Near Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
- Attukal Bhagavathy TempleKerala · about 107 km in a straight line
- Sree Padmanabhaswamy TempleKerala · about 107 km in a straight line
- Palani Murugan TempleTamil Nadu · about 122 km in a straight line
- Meenakshi Amman TempleTamil Nadu · about 126 km in a straight line
More Temples in Kerala
Frequently Asked Questions about Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
Where is Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple located?
- Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is located at Sabarimala, Pathanamthitta 689711, in Sabarimala, Kerala, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple?
- The presiding deity at Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is Ayyappa (also known as Sastha, Manikandan), worshipped in the Shaiva-Vaishnava tradition.
What are the timings of Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple?
- Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is generally open Nov–Jan (Mandala–Makaravilakku), 14th of every Malayalam month. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple built?
- Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple was established Ancient. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple?
- Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is built in the Kerala style, characteristic of Ayyappa shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple include Mandala Puja, Makaravilakku, Thiruvabharanam Procession. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Kerala and beyond.
How can I reach Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple?
- Trek from Pamba (5 km); Pamba is reached by bus from Kottayam (94 km) or Kochi (200 km).
Why is Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple significant?
- One of the largest pilgrimages in the world. Devotees follow a 41-day vratha before climbing the 18 sacred steps (Pathinettam Padi) to see Ayyappa.
What is the best time to visit Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple?
- Mid-November to mid-January for the main season (with the heaviest crowds); the monthly openings are quieter.