- Deity
- Ayyappa (Dharma Sastha)
- Where
- Sabarimala, Pathanamthitta, Kerala
- Time to keep
- 2 days
- Best season
- Mandala–Makaravilakku season (mid-November to mid-January) and monthly opening days
Why this temple matters
One of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world. Devotees observe a vratham of around 41 days, wear black or blue, and climb through the forest carrying the irumudi kettu on their heads to the hilltop shrine.
The story
Ayyappa, born of Shiva and Mohini (Vishnu), was raised by the Pandalam king. After defeating the demoness Mahishi, he chose to sit in meditation on Sabarimala as an eternal brahmachari.
What to look for
- The Pathinettam Padi, the eighteen sacred steps, climbed only by those carrying the irumudi
- The forest trek from Pamba
- The Makara Jyothi seen on Ponnambalamedu at Makaravilakku
Festivals and when to go
- Mandala Pooja (December)
- Makaravilakku (around 14 January)
The practical truth
- The temple opens only in the season and on certain days each month. We confirm opening dates and the online queue booking for your yatra.
- The climb from Pamba is steep. Elders should check with their doctor first.
- The temple follows its own traditional customs on who may visit and how; we explain the current rules while planning.
Timings, rules and festival dates change. We confirm the current details for every yatra.
Have a question about Sabarimala?
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How we take you here
Tell us your dates, your companions and your pace. We shape the yatra and explain every cost before you confirm.
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