Sabarimala Pilgrimage

Sabarimala Pilgrimage symbolizes the journey to heaven.  One who arrives at Sabarimala,  should begin their pilgrimage and pray at the Vavar Mosque, a Muslim place of worship.  This mosque is at Erumeli, the starting point of the pilgrimage. Only after offering prayers at the mosque, the devotees leave for their pilgrimage to Sabarimala. This unique tradition and religious harmony is practiced probably only at Sabarimala in the whole world. Among the rituals interwoven with the pilgrimage to Sabarimala, the most celebrated is the Petta Thullal at Erumeli. It is a joyful rhythmic dance of groups of Sabarimala pilgrims along with chanting of Ayyappa mantras and hymns at Petta junction of Erumeli town.Traditionally, pilgrim groups from Ambalapuzha and Alanghad participate in this annual ritual. After the long trek from Erumeli to Pampa by foot, devotees bathe in Pampa River. Spiritual and religious deliberations are held on this day. People from different walks of life participate in this Sangamam which is called the Pampa Sangamam.  When evening falls, pilgrim light wick lamps which are then set afloat in the Pampa River. This is indeed an unforgettable sight.

The procession with the gold jewelery of Lord Ayyappa (known as Thiruvabharanam’) from Pandalam to Sabarimala is another ritual. The Thanka Anki (scared golden attire of the Lord Ayyappa) offered by the Chithira Thirunnal Maharaja of Travancore is taken from the Aranmula Temple and the deity of Lord Ayyappa is adorned with this for the Mandala Pooja.

There are different customs for worshiping Lord Ayyappa. These are based on five different worshiping methods: Shaivaites, Shaktists, Vaishnavites, Buddhists and Jains.

Monthly poojas are conducted in the temple throughout the year,usually during the first week of each Malayalam month. The temple shrine will be open only for the first five days of each month and for the pilgrimage season, between mid-November and mid-January.

Related posts:

1. Makarajyothi or Makaravilakku – Sabarimala rituals
2. Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple