The Sabarimala Festival is one of India’s most revered and unique religious celebrations, held annually at the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, this festival attracts millions of devotees, especially during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season from mid-November to January. Pilgrims embark on a challenging and sacred journey to the temple, nestled high in the Western Ghats, through dense forests and steep paths, symbolizing both physical and spiritual endurance.
Devotees, often dressed in black, observe strict vows of purity and discipline, fasting, and living in simplicity to seek blessings from Lord Ayyappa. The festival is not just a religious event; it’s a community celebration where faith and devotion unite people from different walks of life. The highlight of the festival is the grand Makaravilakku ceremony, where a divine light appears atop the mountains, signifying Lord Ayyappa’s presence and grace.
History of Sabarimala Temple
According to history and tales of the past, it is said that, even after the temple was completed, it remained mostly unreachable by the locals for a period of about 3 consecutive centuries. Then in the 9th century, it is believed that there was a prince named Manikandan of the Pandalam dynasty who rediscovered the path to reach this place.
It is said that while doing so, he had many followers along with him which were inclusive of the descendants of Vavar as well. It is known that Vavar was a Muslim warrior who was defeated by Manikandan in a battle.
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Major Attractions of Sabarimala Festival
1. Decoration of Temples
With the onset of the Sabarimala Festival, the local temples are beautifully decorated along with the idol of Lord Ayappa which is adorned with dazzling jewellery brought from Pandalam Palace in a procession. Prayers are devotedly offered to God by the pilgrims coming from all around the country. Devotees chant swamiye saranam Ayyappa and wait for hours in the queues before darshan.
2. Flag Hoisting
The festival is marked with ceremonial flag-hoisting at the temple of Lord Ayyappa. Devotees in thousands of numbers throng here to witness the one-of-a-kind ceremony. The flag is brought down by the Tantri when the procession ends at Sannidhanam.
3. Inclusive of Other Festivals
The Sabarimala Festival is inclusive of Makara Vilakku Festival, along with the Mandala Puja Festival. The former festival includes a procession and congregation of devotees at the shrine of Sabarimala. Moving to the Mandala Puja, it is a very important ritual that marks the end of the 41-day long austerity that is known as Mandala Kalam.
4. Unique Rituals of Devotees
Before starting in their pilgrimage, devotees undergo a lot of penance. Irrespective of colour, caste, and creed, they all come together for the Sabarimala darshan. They carry on their heads rice, camphor, coconuts filled with ghee, all wrapped up in a cloth bundle. Earlier women in the menstrual age were not allowed inside the temple before the Supreme Court's order that was passed in 2018.
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How to Reach
Pathanamthitta district is a beautiful district situated in southern Kerala. Don't miss this one out if you want to explore something substantially interesting. The district is situated at an approximate distance of 2,809, 1,622, 2,362, and 632 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can plan on travelling here via the following means of transportation.
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By Air:
If budget permits, flying is a convenient option to reach Pathanamthitta. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Pune, and Mumbai. Upon arrival, you can take a cab or other transportation options to cover the remaining distance to Pathanamthitta.
By Road:
Traveling by road offers a scenic and enjoyable experience, especially if you prefer to explore at your own pace. You can opt for buses, cabs, or, if possible, drive your own vehicle. This mode of travel allows you to soak in the surroundings while heading towards Pathanamthitta.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Pathanamthitta is Chengannur, located around 28 km away. Chengannur is well-connected to cities like Delhi and Pune, with trains such as Kanyakumari Express and Kerala Express being popular options. From the station, you can easily find buses or taxis to reach Pathanamthitta.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sabarimala Festival
Q1: When will the Sabarimala Festival 2025 take place?
A1: The Sabarimala Festival 2025 will be celebrated during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season, which typically runs from mid-November to January. Exact dates will be confirmed closer to the event.
Q2: How can I reach the Sabarimala Temple?
A2: You can reach Sabarimala by air, train, or road. The nearest airport is Trivandrum, the nearest railway station is Chengannur, and various buses or taxis are available for the last leg of the journey. You can also opt to drive if you prefer traveling by road.
Q3: What are the key rituals during the Sabarimala Festival?
A3: The festival includes several important rituals, such as the prayer offerings at the temple, the Makaravilakku ceremony, and processions. Pilgrims also observe strict vows of fasting, simplicity, and purity as part of their spiritual journey.
Q4: Can anyone participate in the Sabarimala Festival?
A4: While anyone can participate, the Sabarimala pilgrimage is mainly for men and women between the ages of 10 and 50. Women of menstruating age are traditionally not allowed to enter the temple, though this remains a point of discussion and legal scrutiny.
Q5: What is the Makaravilakku ceremony?
A5: The Makaravilakku is the grand climax of the festival, where a divine light appears on the hills near the Sabarimala temple, signifying the presence and blessings of Lord Ayyappa. It takes place on Makara Sankranti, usually on January 14th or 15th.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner.
