Sabarimala
History & Culture
The highly revered pilgrimage site of Sabarimala occupies a position in the
eastern part of the state of Kerala, close to the Tamil Nadu. Surrounded by
18 hills, the sacred site ropes in people from all over the country and is
taken as a chief pilgrimage in southern India. Mostly people from Karnataka
and Tamil Nadu flock to the site. What is interesting about the place is the
fact that people arrive here forgetting all the barriers of caste and creed.
While pilgrims and devotees undertake their trip, they have only thing on
their minds - 'Swami Darshan'. Chanting the mantra of 'Swami Saranam
Ayyappa', worshippers pour into the place to seek blessings from the lord
and to present their offerings.
Temples stood atop all of the hills that ring the holy town of Sabarimala. Most
of the temples have turned into ruins. A few of them have stood the taste of
time and remain intact. In places like Nilackal, Kalaketi, Inchiparakotta and
Karimala, some of the ancient temples are functioning even today. Infused with
legends, Sabarimala has proves itself through historical facts as well.
Sree Ayyappa is the presiding deity here. According to legend, Ayyan Pillai
was a loyal warrior of the king of Panthalam. He was known for his heroic
deeds. Once King Pandian of Madurai attacked Pandalam and captured a big
section of Sabaraimala. Finally, Ayyan Pillai was comissioned to regain the
captured territory from Pandian. After a preparation of 41 days, Ayyan
Pillai launched a guerilla war against Pandian. The expedition met with
success and then people began to take him as a demi god rather than a super
hero.
Vrutham, that spans for 60 days, starts on Vrichikam (Approx. November 15).
Makara Sankranti, that falls approximately on January 15, is considered to
be the most auspicious day at Sabarimala. After the prayers, the priest
offers mala to the devotees and the devotees present him with traditional
dakshina (tribute to the Guru). As the pilgrims wears the mala, he is known
as Ayyappan. The mala is removed after they complete the pilgrimage. Female
pilgrims wearing the mala are referred to as Malikapurams.
In the olden days, only one pilgrimage was undertaken in a year. But today
one can easily complete 18 pilgrimages in a year and can come to be called a
Guruswamy. In each single pilgrimage, there are so many preparations, rites
and ablutions that, of course, after a total of 18 pilgrimages you have the
right to be addressed as a Guruswamy. Guruswamy is redefined as someone who
has surrendered himself completely to Lord Ayyappa and is qualified enough
to convey the prominence of the pilgriamge to his followers.
November to January is the pilgrimage season. Mandalapooja (15th November)
and Makaravilakku (14th January) are the main events during the pilgrimage.
Certain ablutions need to be followed by those who wish to underatke this
pilgrimage. The first and foremost is to observe austerities for a span for
41 days. During this period, one has to refrain from non vegetrian deits and
cardinal pleasures.
Sabarimala can be accessed via Chalakkayam and this is the easiest route
too. From here, one can drive to Pamba which is the main stopover on the way
to Sabarimala. And finally, trekking a distance of 4-5 km gets you to the
temple that's the most venerated in the state of Kerala.
