Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple

🛕 Lord Ayyappa | 📍 Sabarimala, Pathanamthitta, Kerala

Temple Tags: Ancient Temple South India Temple Spiritual Healing Temple

✔ Verified by Mandirvaas

📍 Open in Maps

⏰ Darshan

Morning: 03:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Evening: 03:00 PM – 11:00 PM

📅 Best Time to Visit

November to January, particularly during the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.

📸 Photography

Not Allowed

🔱 Temple Significance

Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage centres dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The temple is situated on a hilltop amid the forests of the Western Ghats in Pathanamthitta district. Lord Ayyappa is worshipped here as a Naishtika Brahmachari, representing the eternal celibate form of Dharma Sastha.

The Sabarimala pilgrimage is particularly associated with the traditional 41-day Vratham, the sacred Irumudi Kettu and the ascent of the eighteen holy steps known as Pathinettampadi. Only pilgrims carrying the Irumudi Kettu are traditionally permitted to climb the sacred eighteen steps.

The principal pilgrimage period is the Mandala-Makaravilakku season, with Mandala Pooja and Makaravilakku being the major events. The temple also observes monthly openings and other important festivals and rituals.

🏛 Temple History

According to traditional belief, Lord Ayyappa, also known as Manikandan, is associated with the legend of Shiva and Mohini, the feminine form of Vishnu. Sabarimala is traditionally regarded as the place where Ayyappa came after defeating the demoness Mahishi and remained in meditation.

The temple's historical development is complex. Kerala Tourism notes that there are no known references to Sabarimala from the ancient period, while inscriptions associated with the Pandalam dynasty provide references from the medieval period. The shrine subsequently developed into one of India's major pilgrimage centres, particularly during the 20th century.

The present temple complex has undergone reconstruction and development over time. Kerala Tourism records that a major fire in 1950 destroyed the earlier temple structure, after which the present structure was constructed. The sanctum has a gold-plated roof and the famous Pathinettampadi forms the principal sacred entrance.

🪔

Daily Poojas

Regular temple worship schedule

🪔

No daily poojas available.

🔱

Special Rituals

Sacred offerings and temple rituals

🕉️

No special rituals available currently.

🎉 Temple Festivals

No festivals available.

🧭 Pilgrim Travel Tips

Plan the journey according to the official opening calendar because Sabarimala does not remain open continuously throughout the year.
The main pilgrimage season is generally from November to January, particularly the Mandala-Makaravilakku period.
Pilgrims traditionally undertake a 41-day Vratham before the pilgrimage.
Carrying an Irumudi Kettu is essential for devotees who intend to climb the sacred Pathinettampadi.
Vehicles generally travel only up to Pamba, from where pilgrims continue the uphill journey to Sannidhanam.
The pilgrimage involves a forested and hilly route, so suitable footwear, drinking water and basic personal medicines should be planned.
During Mandala and Makaravilakku periods, accommodation and transport should be arranged well in advance.
Check the official Sabarimala opening schedule before travelling because dates and opening hours vary according to the Malayalam calendar.