Then a four kilometer trek in forest is all what is needed to be covered to reach Lord Ayyappan's abode.Īs legends would have it, Lord Ayyappan is believed to have taken the route from Erumely to Sabarimala the distance is 52 Km approximately and in present days millions of pilgrims take the route in atonement of their sins and in expectation of completion of their wishes. The pilgrimage is one of the toughest with the distance of 52 Km through the Aludha River, Aludha Mountains, Karivalam Thodu, Karimala crossing, Cheriyanavattom, Valliyanavattom, Pamba River, Neelimala, Ganesh Bettam, Shreeram Betta Padam with a halt at Aranmula kottaram during 'thiruvabharana khosa yatra'. Dates may vary every year as per the ritualistic calendar.

These includes days of Mandala Pooja, Makara Vilakku, Vishu and first six days of Malayalam Calendar. The dates on which one can be a part of temple rituals are also scant in comparison to most of the other temples in India. This leaves with males predominantly worshipping in the temple - clad especially in either blue or black, unshaven and with sandal paste on forehead. Another interesting facet of the worship in the temple is the prohibition of women in the menstrual age-group of 10-50 years as the Lord was a celibate. The Ayyappan Temple for which Sabarimala is so well known is surrounded by 18 hills, all having several temples on them. Its location in Western Ghats of Pathanamthitta district has only augmented its tourism value, as is perpetually professed by its state Kerala, rightly tagged as 'God's Own Country. The proof stands in the form of Sabarimala, a Hindu pilgrimage place associated with Lord Ayyappan which has only become more popular. Nevertheless, the faith of devotees in the works of Gods has always remained intact. One such story might be the mysterious coupling of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu as Mohini creating Lord Ayyappan - the deity of fertility as a consequence of this divine act. The world of Gods and Goddesses has always been a there to set examples and guide the lost souls of earth, but myths and legends are not always able to elucidate the purpose they have been present in the religious scriptures.

Swamy saranam