The Ultimate Guide to Sabarimala Temple: History, Restrictions, Pooja Timing, Booking, and Nearby Attractions
The Ultimate Guide to Sabarimala Temple: History, Restrictions, Pooja Timing, Booking, and Nearby Attractions
Introduction:
Sabarimala Temple is a world-renowned Hindu pilgrimage center located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. It is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in India, attracting millions of devotees every year. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. a Hindu deity who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Sabarimala temple attracts millions of devotees every year, especially during the annual festival of Mandala Pooja and Makaravilakku.
Sabarimala Temple has a rich history dating back to the 12th century, and it is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, and forests. The temple has a unique tradition and set of restrictions that make it stand out from other Hindu pilgrimage sites. It is open to male devotees of all ages and women who have reached menopause.
In recent years, Sabarimala Temple has been in the news due to a landmark legal case regarding the restriction on women's entry to the temple. Despite the controversy, the temple continues to attract millions of devotees every year, and the temple administration has set up various facilities to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience for the pilgrims.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about Sabarimala Temple, including its history, restrictions, pooja timing, booking process, and nearby attractions. So, whether you are a devotee planning to visit the temple or a curious traveler looking to explore the beauty of Kerala, this guide will help you plan your visit to Sabarimala Temple.
History:
Sabarimala Temple has a long and rich history dating back to the 12th century when a group of forest dwellers discovered the idol of Lord Ayyappa while they were hunting in the forest. They constructed a small shrine around the idol, and the site became known as Sabarimala.
The legend associated with the temple dates back to the time when Lord Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, cleansed the land of Kerala by throwing his axe into the sea. The land that emerged from the sea became the present-day Kerala, and Lord Parasurama established temples throughout the land to atone for his sins.
According to the legend, Lord Ayyappa was born to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in the form of Mohini, a female avatar of Lord Vishnu. He was raised by a childless king named Rajashekara, who found him abandoned in a forest. Lord Ayyappa grew up to become a warrior and defeated the demon Mahishi, who was causing havoc in the world. After his victory, Lord Ayyappa retreated to the forest to meditate, and the Sabarimala Temple was constructed at the site where he meditated.
Over the centuries, the temple has been renovated and expanded, and it has become a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus all over the world. The temple has a unique tradition of wearing black or blue clothes and observing strict celibacy for 41 days before visiting the temple. This tradition is followed by male devotees who visit the temple, and it is known as the Mandala Kalam.
Despite its rich history, Sabarimala Temple has been embroiled in controversy in recent years due to the restriction on women's entry to the temple. The issue has sparked a debate about gender equality and religious freedom, and it is still unresolved.
Case about Sabarimala Temple:
In September 2018, the Supreme Court of India passed a landmark judgment that lifted the ban on the entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala Temple. The ban was based on the belief that women of menstruating age were impure and could not enter the temple as it would defile the deity. The judgment was seen as a significant victory for gender equality and women's rights, as it challenged the age-old tradition that prevented women from accessing the temple.
The ruling was met with protests and demonstrations from various groups, including devotees of the temple and political parties. The temple administration and the Kerala government were also caught in the middle of the controversy, as they had to enforce the court's judgment while also respecting the sentiments of the devotees who opposed it.
However, the situation took a new turn when the Supreme Court agreed to hear a review petition challenging its earlier verdict. The review petition argued that the ban on women's entry was an essential part of the temple's tradition and that the court's verdict had interfered with the religious beliefs of the devotees. In November 2019, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court referred the case to a larger seven-judge bench, which began hearing the case in February 2020.
The hearings continued for several months, and in July 2020, the larger bench referred the case to a smaller bench of three judges, who will examine the issues of whether the Court has the jurisdiction to review its own decision and whether the judgment violates the rights of the religious group.
The case surrounding Sabarimala Temple has become a contentious issue, as it touches upon sensitive topics like gender equality, religious freedom, and tradition. The final verdict on the case is eagerly awaited, and it is expected to have significant implications for the future of gender equality and religious freedom in India.
Restriction in Sabarimala Temple:
Sabarimala Temple has a unique tradition of observing strict celibacy for 41 days before visiting the temple. This tradition is followed by male devotees who visit the temple and is known as the Mandala Kalam. During this period, the devotees are expected to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, non-vegetarian food, and sex.
In addition to this tradition, there are also certain restrictions on clothing and appearance that devotees must adhere to when visiting the temple. Male devotees must wear black or blue clothing, and they are not allowed to wear any footwear inside the temple. They must also shave their heads or cut their hair short before visiting the temple.
There are also restrictions on women's entry into the temple. Until recently, women of menstruating age were not allowed to enter the temple, as they were considered impure and could defile the deity. However, the Supreme Court of India lifted the ban on women's entry in 2018, which sparked a controversy.
Despite the lifting of the ban, there are still some restrictions on women's entry into the temple. Women between the ages of 10 and 50 are not allowed to enter the temple, as they are considered to be of menstruating age. This restriction has led to protests and demonstrations, with some arguing that it violates the principles of gender equality and religious freedom.
The restrictions in Sabarimala Temple are based on the belief that the deity is a celibate and that the temple must maintain its purity to ensure the deity's blessings. While some argue that these restrictions are outdated and discriminatory, others believe that they are essential to preserve the temple's tradition and sanctity.
Information about the location of Sabarimala Temple:
Sabarimala Temple is located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghats mountain range in the Indian state of Kerala. It is situated on a hilltop at an elevation of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests.
The temple is located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala and is approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the district headquarters. The nearest town to the temple is Pamba, which is situated at the foothills of the temple.
The temple is located in a remote and mountainous area, and reaching the temple requires a considerable amount of effort. Devotees have to undertake a challenging trek through the forest and climb a steep hill to reach the temple. The trek to the temple is considered a spiritual journey and is an essential part of the Sabarimala pilgrimage.
To reach Sabarimala Temple, devotees have to first travel to the nearest town of Pamba. From there, they can either trek to the temple or take a bus or taxi to the Pampa base camp, from where they can start their trek to the temple.
The temple's remote location and the difficult trek to reach it add to its spiritual significance and make it one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India.
Information about the hotels near Sabarimala Temple:
There are several hotels and lodges located near Sabarimala Temple that cater to the needs of the devotees. These hotels provide comfortable and affordable accommodation options for those visiting the temple.
Some of the most popular hotels near Sabarimala Temple include Hotel Hill View, Hotel Sabari International, Hotel Nithya Sahaya Matha, and Hotel Sopanam Heritage. These hotels offer a range of amenities, including comfortable rooms, hot water facilities, and restaurant services.
Apart from hotels, there are also several dharmashalas (pilgrims' lodges) and ashrams located near the temple that provide accommodation facilities. Some of the most popular dharmashalas include Sri Dharma Shastha Seva Samithi, Sri Dharma Shastha Seva Samajam, and Sri Ramakrishna Ashram.
The prices of accommodation near Sabarimala Temple vary depending on the facilities and services offered. Some hotels and dharmashalas offer budget accommodation options for those on a tight budget, while others provide luxurious amenities for those looking for a more comfortable stay.
It is recommended that devotees book their accommodation in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle. Online booking facilities are available for most of the hotels and dharmashalas near Sabarimala Temple, and it is advisable to make reservations well in advance, especially during the peak pilgrimage season.
Sabarimala Temple Pooja Schedule:
The Sabarimala Temple follows a strict schedule of daily poojas and rituals, and devotees can witness these ceremonies during their visit to the temple. The poojas are performed in accordance with the Tantric rituals and traditions of Kerala.
The temple opens for worship during the two-month-long Mandala-Makaravilakku season, which usually begins in mid-November and ends in mid-January. During this time, the temple is open from early morning until late at night, and devotees can visit the temple at any time of the day.
Outside of the Mandala-Makaravilakku season, the temple is open for worship only on certain days of the week. The temple opens on the first five days of every Malayalam month and on Vishu (the Malayalam New Year) and Sankranti (the Harvest Festival). During these times, the temple is open from early morning until late at night.
The daily pooja schedule at the Sabarimala Temple is as follows:
- Nirmalya Darshanam:
This is the first pooja of the day and is performed early in the morning before the temple opens for devotees.
- Abhishekam:
This pooja involves the ceremonial bathing of the idol with holy water and is performed after the temple opens for devotees.
- Usha Pooja:
This is the first pooja of the day that devotees can witness and is performed at sunrise.
- Ucha Pooja:
This pooja is performed at noon and is the last pooja before the temple closes for the afternoon.
- Athazha Pooja:
This is the final pooja of the day and is performed just before the temple closes for the night.
Devotees can witness these daily poojas and rituals by visiting the temple during the designated opening hours. It is advisable to check the temple schedule in advance to plan your visit accordingly and avoid any inconvenience.
Sabarimala Temple Opening Dates:
The opening and closing dates of Sabarimala Temple vary each year and are based on the Malayalam calendar. Typically, the temple opens for the annual pilgrimage season in mid-November, and it remains open until mid-January. However, the specific dates may change slightly each year based on various factors, including auspicious dates, weather conditions, and the decisions of the temple authorities.
For the 2021-2022 pilgrimage season, the Sabarimala Temple opened on November 15, 2021, and it is scheduled to close on January 20, 2022. However, it is important to note that these dates are subject to change, and it is advisable to check with the temple authorities or the official website for the latest updates and information before planning your visit.
During the pilgrimage season, the temple is open for darshan (worship) from early morning to late evening, with specific timings for various rituals and ceremonies. Devotees can book their Pooja and Darshan tickets in advance to avoid long queues and waiting times.
Opening and closing of Sabarimala Sree Dharmasastha Temple for the year 2022 – 2023
Note:
On 18-Jan-2023, Neyyabhishekam up to 10 AM only.
On 19-Jan-2023, no neyyabhishekam. Guruthy on 19-Jan-2023.
Darshanam only up to 19-Jan-2023 night.
Please Note:
Sabarimala temple usually opens at 05.00am and closes at 10.00pm. During the peak seasons like Mandala, Makara Vilakku Mahotsavam, the timings may be altered to accommodate the large number of devotees.
Opening and closing of Sabarimala Sree Dharmasastha Temple for the year 2023 – 2024
Please Note:
Sabarimala temple usually opens at 05.00am and closes at 10.00pm. During the peak seasons like Mandala, Makara Vilakku Mahotsavams, the timings may be altered to accommodate the large number of devotees.
Where People Can do Booking for Sabarimala Temple Pooja And Darshan:
Devotees can book their Sabarimala Temple Pooja and Darshan online through the official website of the Kerala Police Virtual Queue System. The Kerala Police Virtual Queue System is a web-based application that provides a hassle-free and convenient way for devotees to book their Darshan and Pooja in advance.
To book a Darshan or Pooja slot, devotees need to create an account on the Kerala Police Virtual Queue System website and provide the necessary details, such as name, address, and ID proof. Once the account is created, devotees can select the date and time slot for their Darshan or Pooja and pay the fees online.
The fees for Sabarimala Temple Pooja and Darshan vary depending on the type of service and the season. During the peak pilgrimage season, the fees may be higher than usual, and it is advisable to book your slot well in advance.
It is important to note that the Kerala Police Virtual Queue System is the only authorized platform for booking Sabarimala Temple Pooja and Darshan. Devotees should avoid booking their slots through unauthorized agents or middlemen to avoid any fraudulent activities.
Apart from online booking, devotees can also book their Sabarimala Temple Pooja and Darshan slots in person at the designated counters in the temple complex. However, this option is subject to availability, and devotees may have to wait in long queues to book their slots.
It is advisable to book your Sabarimala Temple Pooja and Darshan slot in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle and enjoy a hassle-free pilgrimage experience.
108 names of Shabarimala Swami Ayyappa
The 108 names of Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala, are known as "Shabarimala Swami Ayyappa Ashtothram." Here are the 108 names:
1. Hariharatmaja
2. Kaliyugavaradha
3. Manikanda
4. Dharmasastha
5. Bhoothanatha
6. Sabarijivapriya
7. Bhulokanathan
8. Bhoothabandhava
9. Mantramurthi
10. Dhanalakshmi Prada
11. Nithyamuktha
12. Sarvadevathmaka
13. Sarva Jeeva Datharam
14. Bhakta Vatsala
15. Sarva Shasthra Pravarthaka
16. Sarva Dharma Pravardhaka
17. Sarva Bhutha Prathipalaka
18. Bhaktha Rakshaka
19. Sarva Bhootha Dharaka
20. Sarva Bhootha Bhaya Kshamkara
21. Sarva Bhootha Dayaka
22. Sarva Bhootha Hithapradha
23. Sarva Bhootha Sukhakara
24. Sarva Bhootha Daya Para
25. Sarva Bhootha Priyakara
26. Sarva Bhootha Bandhura
27. Sarva Bhootha Priya
28. Sarva Dharma Dharaka
29. Sarva Dharma Samanvitha
30. Sarva Dharma Varapradha
31. Sarva Bhootha Mandana
32. Sarva Bhootha Vahanaka
33. Sarva Bhootha Hrudaya
34. Sarva Bhootha Mithravara
35. Sarva Bhootha Manohara
36. Sarva Bhootha Samanthraka
37. Sarva Bhootha Manohara
38. Sarva Bhootha Karayutha
39. Sarva Bhootha Mathruka
40. Sarva Bhootha Vahana
41. Sarva Bhootha Hrudhaya Stitha
42. Sarva Bhootha Maheswara
43. Sarva Bhootha Bhaya Nasa
44. Sarva Bhootha Palaka
45. Sarva Bhootha Priyathama
46. Sarva Bhootha Hrudaya Stitha
47. Sarva Bhootha Palaka
48. Sarva Bhootha Priyathama
49. Sarva Bhootha Bhaya Prada
50. Sarva Bhootha Hrudhaya Stitha
51. Sarva Bhootha Karayutha
52. Sarva Bhootha Mithravara
53. Sarva Bhootha Dharaka
54. Sarva Bhootha Vahana
55. Sarva Bhootha Hrudhaya Stitha
56. Sarva Bhootha Mathruka
57. Sarva Bhootha Priyathama
58. Sarva Bhootha Bhaya Prada
59. Sarva Bhootha Hrudhaya Stitha
60. Sarva Bhootha Palaka
61. Sarva Bhootha Priyathama
62. Sarva Bhootha Bhaya Prada
63. Sarva Bhootha Hrudhaya Stitha
64. Sarva Bhootha Karayutha
65. Sarva bhootha Mithravara
66. Sarva Bhootha Dharaka
67. Sarva Bhootha Vahana
68. Sarva Bhootha Hrudhaya Stitha
69. Sarva Bhootha Mathruka
70. Sarva Bhootha Priyathama
71. Sarva Bhootha Bhaya Prada
72. Sarva Bhootha Hrudhaya Stitha
73. Sarva Bhootha Palaka
74. Sarva Bhootha Priyathama
75. Sarva Bhootha Bhaya Prada
76. Sarva Bhootha Hrudhaya Stitha
77. Sarva Bhootha Karayutha
78. Sarva Bhootha Mithravara
79. Sarva Bhootha Dharaka
80. Sarva Bhootha Vahana
81. Sarva Bhootha Hrudhaya Stitha
82. Sarva Bhootha Mathruka
83. Sarva Bhootha Priyathama
84. Sarva Bhootha Bhaya Prada
85. Sarva Bhootha Hrudhaya Stitha
86. Sarva Bhootha Palaka
87. Sarva Bhootha Priyathama
88. Sarva Bhootha Bhaya Prada
89. Sarva Bhootha Hrudhaya Stitha
90. Sarva Bhootha Karayutha
91. Sarva Bhootha Mithravara
92. Sarva Bhootha Dharaka
93. Sarva Bhootha Vahana
94. Sarva Bhootha Hrudhaya Stitha
95. Sarva Bhootha Mathruka
96. Sarva Bhootha Priyathama
97. Sarva Bhootha Bhaya Prada
98. Sarva Bhootha Hrudhaya Stitha
99. Sarva Bhootha Palaka
100. Sarva Bhootha Priyathama
101. Sarva Bhootha Bhaya Prada
102. Sarva Bhootha Hrudhaya Stitha
103. Sarva Bhootha Karayutha
104. Sarva Bhootha Mithravara
105. Sarva Bhootha Dharaka
106. Sarva Bhootha Vahana
107. Sarva Bhootha Hrudhaya Stitha
108. Sarva Bhootha Mathruka
These names are chanted by devotees as a form of prayer and devotion to Lord Ayyappa.
information about From all big cities all over India, train to Sabarimala Temple:
Sabarimala Temple is located in a remote region of Kerala, and the nearest railway station is at Kottayam, which is approximately 90 km away from the temple. From Kottayam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Pamba, the base camp for Sabarimala Temple. Here is the train information for some of the big cities in India that you can take to reach Kottayam:
1. From Mumbai:
There are several trains that run from Mumbai to Kottayam, such as the Mumbai Express, Netravati Express, and the Kerala Express. The journey takes around 22-24 hours, depending on the train.
2. From Delhi:
The best way to reach Kottayam from Delhi is to take a direct train to Ernakulam Junction, which is around 70 km away from Kottayam. Some of the trains that run between Delhi and Ernakulam Junction are the Kerala Express, the Mangala Lakshadweep Express, and the Rajdhani Express. The journey takes around 30-36 hours, depending on the train.
3. From Kolkata:
If you are traveling from Kolkata to Sabarimala, you can take the Howrah-Kanyakumari Express, which runs from Howrah to Kottayam. The journey takes around 38-40 hours, depending on the train.
4. From Chennai:
There are several trains that run between Chennai and Kottayam, such as the Chennai Express, the Sabari Express, and the Trivandrum Express. The journey takes around 12-14 hours, depending on the train.
5. From Bangalore:
The best way to reach Kottayam from Bangalore is to take a direct train to Ernakulam Junction and then take a taxi or bus to reach Kottayam. Some of the trains that run between Bangalore and Ernakulam Junction are the Kanyakumari Express, the Island Express, and the Bangalore Express. The journey takes around 12-14 hours, depending on the train.
It is advisable to book your train tickets well in advance, especially during the peak pilgrimage season, to avoid any last-minute hassles. Also, make sure to check the train schedules and availability before making any bookings.
Suggestions:
If you are planning to visit Sabarimala temple, here are some suggestions to keep in mind:
Plan ahead:
Sabarimala temple attracts a large number of devotees during the pilgrimage season. It is advisable to plan your trip well in advance and book your accommodation and pooja/darshan slots beforehand.
Dress appropriately:
As per the temple traditions, devotees must wear black or blue clothes during their visit to Sabarimala. It is also advisable to carry warm clothes as the temperature can drop significantly during the winter months.
Follow the guidelines:
The temple authorities have set several guidelines and restrictions for devotees visiting Sabarimala. It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and peaceful visit.
Be mindful of the environment: Sabarimala temple is located in the midst of a dense forest and is home to several endangered species of flora and fauna. It is important to be mindful of the environment and avoid littering or damaging the surroundings.
Post a Comment