TOURISM OF SABARIMALA AYYAPPA SWAMY TEMPLE
The Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala is one of the few Hindu temples in India, which is open to all faiths. Sabarimala upholds the values of equality, brotherhood and unity of the human soul; all men, regardless of class, creed or race are equal before Lord Ayyappan and superficially, to drive home this truth the pilgrims thronging the temple complex address one another as' Ayyappa Swami.
The presiding deity of Sabarimala Dharma Sastha is /Lord Ayyappan /Ayyanaar,one of the most revered deities among the Hindu pantheon of gods. Every year millions of devotees from all over India, irrespective of caste, faith or religion crowd the small resort of having the darshan of Lord Ayyappan.True to the Hindu philosophy of 'thathvamasi' in Sabarimala.
The legend says that the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala is submitted in accordance with the instructions of the Lord himself. Consequently, Malikappurathamma is to the left of the Sannidhanam, and helpers of the Lord, and Kadutha Vavar stand vigil at the foot of the 'thrippadi pathinettu' 18 the most significant steps in Hinduism, leading to the 'inner sanctum.
On the way to Sabarimala pilgrims visit the Temple Sree Dharma Erumeli Shastha celebrate 'Petta Thullal' and Vavur Mosque, also in Erumeli. To enter the temple complex at Sabarimala devotees have to climb 18 steps or 'padikal pathinettu'. Compared with other major temples in Kerala like Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the shrine atop Sabarimala is comparatively small.
The featured 41-day fast the importance of austerity and abstinence in the lives of those seeking a complete fusion with the latter. A devotee has to comply with various rules and dictates if pathinettu padikal mount and enter the Sabarimala temple.
Kannimula Ganapathi : Lord Ganapathi is south-west of the main temple; Ganapathi idol in Sabarimala is commonly known as Ganapathi Kannimula. And one of the specials this deity is 'Ganapathi homam.'
History :
As Lord Ayyappan was brought up by the king of Pandalam as his son, Sabarimala temple is seen as the domain of the Raja. And pilgrims are expected to get your permission before proceeding to Sabarimala. One representative of the king sits on a raised platform with the royal insignia at the base of Neelimala. The Ayyappa Devotees offer and receive a token sum vibhuthi to change.The 3km climb to the Neelimala is the steepest and most difficult of the entire pilgrimage.
The legend says that the Sabarimala temple was built by Parasurama, the warrior-sage reclaimed the land of Kerala from the sea. Sabarimala is one of the five temples 'panchashastha' erected by the powerful yogi to protect destructive elements of Kerala, the others being Kulathuppuzha, Aryankavu, Achankovil and Erumeli. In Kulathuppuzha, the Lord is worshiped as a small child, as a teenager Aryankavu the verge of marriage and Achankovil, he is depicted as a 'grihasthashrami' with their wives, Poorna and Pushkala.
The Ayyappa idol within the Sannidhanam and adored by millions, was originally carved in stone, however, the actual image of the deity is a beautiful idol of Ayyappan in panchaloha, an amalgam of five metals and feet over a year and half high .
As Lord Ayyappan was brought up by the king of Pandalam as his son, Sabarimala temple is seen as the domain of the Raja. And pilgrims are expected to get your permission before proceeding to Sabarimala. One representative of the king sits on a raised platform with the royal insignia at the base of Neelimala. The Ayyappa Devotees offer and receive a token sum vibhuthi to change.The 3km climb to the Neelimala is the steepest and most difficult of the entire pilgrimage.
The legend says that the Sabarimala temple was built by Parasurama, the warrior-sage reclaimed the land of Kerala from the sea. Sabarimala is one of the five temples 'panchashastha' erected by the powerful yogi to protect destructive elements of Kerala, the others being Kulathuppuzha, Aryankavu, Achankovil and Erumeli. In Kulathuppuzha, the Lord is worshiped as a small child, as a teenager Aryankavu the verge of marriage and Achankovil, he is depicted as a 'grihasthashrami' with their wives, Poorna and Pushkala.
The Ayyappa idol within the Sannidhanam and adored by millions, was originally carved in stone, however, the actual image of the deity is a beautiful idol of Ayyappan in panchaloha, an amalgam of five metals and feet over a year and half high .
Temple Located :
The temple is located on a plateau, over 40 meters high and offers spectacular views of the mountains and valleys. Steeped in ancient times, was rebuilt after a major fire in 1950 Now, the resort Sabarimala comprises a sanctum having a roof of copper plated with four shots of gold on the top.
Surrounded by lush tropical jungles and 18 hills, the sanctuary is about 1260m / 4135ft above the sea. Sabarimala is part of Sahyadris (Western Ghats); remains of old temples are visible in the surrounding hills and the Nilackal, karimala Kalaketi and offerings are still made by the devis/devas. East of the Sannidhanam is 'Vavarnada' commemorating Vavar, an associate of Lord Ayyappan Muslim. This front door speaks volumes about the friendship between religions prevailing in Kerala.
