SABARIMALA - NEAREST TEMPLES

Valiyakoikkal Temple Pandalam

Nilakkal Temple, Pathanamthitta

Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple

Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple,

Ettumanoor, Kottayam District

Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Mavelikkara

Mannarasala Temple, Harippad

Chakkulathukavu Temple, Thiruvalla

Sabarimala - Important informations to devotees

Vehicles operated by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, Travancore Devaswom Board and Private parties are available to Pamba.

Dolly service is available from Pamba to Sannidhanam for those who are unable to walk the heights.

There are Cardiology centres at Appachimedu (Phone No. 04735-202050) and Neelimala (Phone No. 04735-203384).

Stretcher service is available at Appachimedu (Phone No. 04735-203350)

Cigeratte and Beedi smoking, Alcholic drinks and plastic goods are prohibited at Pamba and Sabarimala.

As Sabarimala Ayyappa is 'Nithya Brahmachari' (celibate)women between the 10-50 age group are not allowed to enter Sabarimala. Such women who try to enter Sabarimala will be prevented by authorities.

Only pilgrims who have obsered Vrutham alone are allowed entry through the holly Pathinettampadi. They have to carry Irumudikettu (Pallikettu)also.

Placing Viri and halting in the upper Thirumuttam is not allowed during festival seasons.

Queue system have to be followed for Darsan, Abhishekam and at the Prasadam counters.

Purchase tickets for Vazhipadus from the respective ticket counters.

Lord Ayyappa - The Story

Lord Ayyappa

Lord Ayyappa had his human incarnation as the son of the King of Pandalam, Kerala. At that time, the kingdom of Pandalam was under the rule of Raja Rajasekhara. During one of his hunting expeditions, the wails of a child on the banks of the River Pampa puzzled him. As he moved in the direction of the voice he found a resplendent and helpless infant there. The beautiful baby with a radiant face had a gemstone around his neck, hence the name Manikantan ("Mani", means gemstone and "kantan" means wearer around the neck). Manikantan was born of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and Hara (Lord Shiva), with Hari assuming the form of a female (Mohini). Hence Ayyappan is also named as Hariharasutan (Sutan meaning Son).The king had no children, though he was pious, charitable, just, and God-fearing. The king and the queen were the ardent devotees of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu respectively. They had prayed to their respective deities for blessings in the form of a child. So the King accepted the child as God's gracious gift to his fervent prayer for an heir to his throne. Manikantan was given proper education and training and he grew into a boy well versed in academic lore and martial arts. Meanwhile the Rani (Queen) gave birth to a son; however the king regarded Manikantan as his elder son and decided to crown him as the Yuvaraja.

Since the minister of the Raja was against Manikantan becoming the Yuvaraja, for several hidden reasons, he along with his sycophants lured the queen to act against the king's decision to coron Manikantan. On the coronation day of Manikantan as Yuvaraja, the queen pretended to be suffering from unbearable stomach ache, and said that she was unable to get any relief from the treatment of any doctor. Finally came a fake practitioner and prescribed "the milk of a tigress" as the cure of the queen's illness.This drama took place at the instance of the minister. The king appealed to everyonel to get the tigeress-milk, but no-one dared, as all feared death.  At last, Manikantan came forward and went to the forest in search of tigress milk, despite the king's attempt to stop him as he was deeply frightened that the deemed Yuvaraja may not come back alive.

Manikantan entered the forest to fulfill his divine duty, to rid from the world, the demoness, Mahishi. Manikantan killed her and released a beautiful woman who had been cursed to become Mahishi. The young woman asked Ayyappan for his hand in marriage, but being a celibate he declined. However he promised that she would be visited by pilgrims and would be housed next to his temple, and if ever the number of new pilgrims (Kanni Ayyappan) stopped visiting him then he would marry her. Hence she is now worshiped as Maalikapurathamma.

On the death of Mahishi, Indra - the king of the gods, who was displaced and banished by Mahishi, led several tigers for the disposal of Ayyappan.

Days later Manikantan entered the palace precincts riding a fierce tigress and followed by a pack of her cubs. The schemers were frightened and confessed their plot. They were convinced of his divine origins, and prayed to him to be with them for their own salvation and for the safety of the kingdom. Immediately Manikantan disappeared. The king took a decision that he would not eat anything till Manikantan came back. Then Manikantan gave a darshan to the king.

Filled with emotions of happiness, grief, fear, wonder and 'Bhakti' (devotion to God) and self-surrender, the king stood praying for the mercy and blessings of Manikantan. He repented that he could not fully visualize the truth of the divine powers of the Lord and repeatedly requested him to forgive him for behaving as if he were his son only. The Lord lovingly embraced the King who prayed to bless him by freeing from ego and the worldly life of birth and rebirth and granted Moksha (salvation). He told the King that he was destined to return. The king requested Lord Manikantan to allow him to build a temple and dedicate it to him and the Lord assented.

Manikantan then enlightened the King on the path of attainment of Moksha. The Lord shot an arrow that fell at the top of Sabrimala and told the King that he could construct a temple at Sabarimala, north of the holy river Pampa and install His deity there. Ayyappan also explained how the Sabarimala pilgrimage shall be undertaken, emphasizing the importance of Penance vratham and what the devotees can attain by His 'darshan'.

The King secured a promise from the Lord that on Thai Pongal on January 14, every year (celebrated as "Makara Jyothy" all his personal jewellery (usually kept at the Palace) will be adorned on his image at Sabarimala. Hence on the 12th of January every year, the Jewellery will be taken on foot from the Palace by a special emissary of the kingdom, after the puja with all pomp, devotion and reverence. Immeditely when the Arti is over, Royal Garuda (Eagle) flies over the Palace. The Royal Garuda flies ahead, and appears as though guiding the pilgrims throughout their journey. Since there was no modern means of communication like Telephone or Mobile, to the hundreds of thousands of Devotees desirous of worshipping Lord Manikantan's Jewels enroute to his Abode, this Garud was the sole and absolute signal of advance information even to the Temple authorities at Sabarimala to get ready for the adorning of the Jewels. This journey on the 12th and 13th of January finally reaches Sabarimala on January 14th. Immediately after the jewellery is adorned on the Deity, there is an Aarti (offering by burning Camphor). The miracle is that just after the Arti, without loss a second, the Jyothy appears on the east side of the Temple up above the Hills. But then the Lord further consoled the King saying that the devotees who held him and his descendants in 'Bhakti' shall happen to be devoted to Him as well. Manikantan then blessed the King and all others assembled there, and vanished. The King duly constructed the temple at Sabarimala, dedicated to him. The deity for installation was prepared by Parasurama, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and was installed by him.

 

 

SABARIMALA LEGEND

The Temple legend

The World famous Sastha temple at Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta District is located on the slope of the Western Ghats. The pilgrimage begins in the month of Vruchikam (mid November) and ends in Makaram-Makara Samkranthi (mid January).

Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Sabarimala

Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa , is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples in Kerala. The temple is situated on a hilltop (about 3000 feet above sea level) named Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district, which is unique in many respects. The uniqueness gathers its voice, as the temple is open to all, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. There is a place near the temple; east to Sannidhanam, dedicated to the Vavar (a sufi and friend of Lord Ayyappa) which is called 'Vavarunada', an epitome of religious harmony. Another interesting fact is that it is not open throughout the year. It is open for worship only during the days of Mandalapooja, Makaravilakku and Chitra Vishu. It is said that the pilgrims have to follow fasting for 41days to cleanse their minds before going to Sabarimala. The journey to the temple is to be taken through difficult paths in the forest as the vehicles can go only up to Pampa.

This is one of the most ancient temples in Kerala. It is believed that the deity of the temple was consecrated by Lord Parasurama at the foot of Sabari hills for which reference has been made even in Ramayana. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh but also from other parts of country and abroad.

There is a Vavar Thara very close to. The deity is Vavar, the friend of Ayyappa and a Sufi saint is at the close proximity to the main temple. Ayyapa cult gifts much importance for secularism and communal harmony and has turned out to be a model for the whole world. Another significant aspect of the pilgrimage is that all the pilgrims whether rich or poor, literate or illiterate are all equal before Lord Ayyapa and all of them address each other as Ayyappa or Swamy.

Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Lord Ayyapa meditated soon after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi. Another mythology says that its 'Parasurama Maharshi' who uplifted Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe and installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala.

To enter the Sabarimala temple, the pilgrim has to pass Pathinettampadi (holy eighteen steps). The holly eighteen steps that lead to the shrine have been figuratively called Ponnu Pathinettampadi, 'Ponnu' being an epithet to denote the holy touch of lord's feet. But now 'Ponnu' has become literally true because the steps have been covered with Panchaloham. Each of these eighteen holy steps represents a desire one must conquer in life, it is believed. Only those who observe 41 day's of austerity as ritual can only carry erumudi and can climb these steps.

Erumeli Sastha Temple

Erumeli Sastha temple, an important meeting place enroute the pilgrimage to Sabarimala is very famous. There is also a mosque very close by. Ayyappas goes to Sabarimala after worshipping at these two places, which seems of a symbol of Hindu Muslim unity. The pilgrims usually go to Sabarimala after pettathullal- a ritual- at Erumeli. The pilgrimage to Sabarimala without pettathullal and worship at above mentioned temples are not considered traditional. Erumeli temple rests about 38 kiliometers south of Kottayam.

The nearest railway station is Kottayam.

Pandalam Valiyakoyickal Temple

According to legend, the King of Pandalam found a baby lying in the banks of river pampa. As the King had no heir to succeed, the child was considered as a god-given gift and was thus named Ayyappa. So the baby was brought up as a prince. One of the major events associated with the Makaravilakku festival is the procession of the Thiruvabharam (holy ornaments) of Lord Ayyappa from the Sastha temple at Pandalam.

The nearest town and railway station is Chengannur (12 km).

Other famous Sastha temples related to Mandalakalam are Kulathupuzha Sastha temple, Achancoil Sastha temple and Aryankavu Sastha temple.

Harivarasanam

Harivarasanam 

The sanctum sanctorum closes with this song, each day.

Harivaraasanam Viswamohanam
Haridhadheeswaram Aaradyapaadukam
Arivimardhanam Nithyanarthanam
Hariharaatmajam devamaasraye

Sharanakeerthanam Sakthamaanasam
Bharanalolupam Narthanaalasam
Arunabhaasuram Bhoothanayakam
Hariharaatmajam devamaasraye

Pranayasatyakaa Prananaayakam
Pranathakalpakam Suprabhaanchitam
Pranavamandiram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharaatmajam devamaasraye

Thuragavaahanam Sundaraananam
Varagadhayudham Devavarnitham
Gurukripaakaram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharaatmajam devamaasraye

Thribhuvanaarchitham Devataatmakam
Thriyanam Prabhum Divyadesitham
Thridasapoojitham Chinthithapradam
Hariharaatmajam devamaasraye

Bhayabhayaavaham Bhaavukaavaham
Bhuvanamohanam Bhoothibhooshanam
Dhawalavaahanam Divyavaaranam
Hariharaatmajam devamaasraye

Kalamrudusmitham Sundaraananam
Kalabhakomalam Gaathramohanam
Kalabhakesari Vaajivaahanam
Hariharaatmajam devamaasraye

Sithajanaproyam Chinthitapradam
Srithivibhooshanam Saadhujeevanam
Sruthimanoharam Geethalaalasam
Hariharaatmajam devamaasraye.

SABARIMALA - ACCOMODATION

Sree Dharma Sastha Temple

ACCOMODATION AT SANNIDHANAM AND PAMBA

The multistoried pilgrim complex is located adjacent to Nadapanthal. There are a few pilgrim shed on the northern side of Pandythavalam and beyond Pandythavalam. Beyond this area a series of public latrines are provided. There is a Government hospital and Ayurvedic Hospital functioning during festival seasons on the south eastern side near the Nadapanthal. Near Malikappuram temple complex there is a dispensary run by NSS. Near the Donor Complex there is a telephone exchange and public hall office with STD facilities.

Guest House	Rate/Room (in Rs.)	Phone Accommodation Officer/ Guest House Manager
PALAZHI (DH I)	350	04735-202049
SOPANAM (DH II)	350	04735-202049
MANIKANTAN (DH III)	325	04735-202049
CHINMUDRA (DH IV)	325	04735-202049
SIVASAKTHI (DH V)	525  - 975	04735-202049
TEJASWINI (DH VI)	525	04735-202049
SREEMATHA (DH VII)	525	04735-202049
PRANAVAM (PC I)	325	04735-202049
SAHYADRI (PC II)	325	04735-202049
KAILAS (PC III)	200	04735-202049
GKD Hall	900	04735-202049
Poorna, Pushkala Hall	1275	04735-202049
Sabari Guest House 2 bed 3 bed 4 bed	1000 1500 2000	04735-202056
Forest IB Sabarimala	200/ bed + 50 / each additional	04735-202074 / 75
Forest Dormitory	80 / bed	04735-202074 / 75

Sabarimala VirtualQ - Online Booking - Dharsan

Sree Dharma Sastha Temple

Sabarimala VirtualQ is an Online Portal for Devotees to book a slot on the separate Queue maintained by Kerala Police. This helps devotees to reach Sannidhanam without waiting in the long queue usually formed at Pampa. The system generate fixed number of coupons for every hour, devotees can plan to reach Pampa on the specified time, and enter on to the queue without any waiting. This dedicated queue will be manned by Kerala Police exclusively for those coming with the VirtualQ coupon. The coupons and ID card will be verified by Kerala Police, before allowing them to enter the Queue.

For Virtual queue coupons Click here.  It is opened up to 19/01/2013.

SABARIMALA - Sree Dharma Sastha Temple

Sree Dharma Sastha Temple

Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, is situated in Pathanamthitta District in Kerala.  It is the only hindu temple in Kerala which is open to all caste or religion. 

Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Lord Ayyappa meditated soon after killing the powerful demon “Maharishi”.  The temple is situated in hilltop surrounded by mountains and dense forests.  The temple is open only  for Mandala pooja.

The pilgrims have to strictly follow customs to undertake before Sabarimala pilgrimage. He have to  keep “Brahmacharya vratham” and follow “vegetable food habits” for a period of 41 days to cleanse himself.   To enter the Sabarimala temple, the pilgrim has to pass, pathinettampadi (holy 18 steps). Each of these eighteen holy steps represents a desire one must conquer in life, it is believed.  Pilgrims who carry irumudi kettu (a cloth bundle containing traditional offerings) can climb these steps.

The temple is open to males of all age groups and to women before 10 years of age and after 50 years (after menopause).

The journey to the temple is to be taken through the different paths in the forest as the vehicles can go only up to Pampa-the holy river. The pilgrims of this temple are not only from the southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, but also from other parts of the country and abroad.

Sabarimala VirtualQ is an Online Portal for Devotees to book a slot on the separate Queue maintained by Kerala Police. This helps devotees to reach Sannidhanam without waiting in the long queue usually formed at Pampa. The system generate fixed number of coupons for every hour, devotees can plan to reach Pampa on the specified time, and enter on to the queue without any waiting. This dedicated queue will be manned by Kerala Police exclusively for those coming with the VirtualQ coupon. The coupons and ID card will be verified by Kerala Police, before allowing them to enter the Queue.

For Virtual queue coupons Click here.  It is opened up to 19/01/2013.

How to Reach

By Rail
The pilgrims can reach Kottayam & Chengannur by Rail and from there by road to Pampa.

By Air
The pilgrims can reach Thiruvananthapuram International Airport or Kochi International Airport (Nedumbassery) by Air and from there by rail/road to Pampa.

By Road
KSRTC has started operating buses to Coimbatore, Palani and Thenkasi from Pampa for the convenience of the Sabarimala pilgrims. Besides, the Government of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka has been given the permission to operate buses to Pampa. A chain service exists between Pampa and Nilackal base camps.

Distance
From	To	Distance
Erumeli	Pampa	56 Kms.
Kottayam	Erumeli	72 Kms
Kottayam	Pampa	128 Kms.
Chengannoor	Pampa	93 Kms.
Thiruvalla	Pampa	99 kms
Ernakulam	Pampa (via) Kottayam	200 Kms.
Alleppy	Pampa (via) A.C. Road	137 Kms.
Punalur	Pampa	105 Kms.
Pathanamthitta	Pampa	69 Kms.
Pandalam	Pampa	84 kms.
Thiruvananthapuram	Pampa	175 Kms.
Ernakulam	Erumeli (via) Palai, Ponkunnam	175 Kms.

SREE PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is situated in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala.  The name Thiruananthapuram is derived because of this temple.  Because the Idol of the temple is ‘Lord Vishnu in the form of “Ananthasayanam” in the palazhi (Sea of milk)’. The temple is placed at the core of the Thiruvananthapuram city. The temple is about 5000 years old.  It is actually the “Sreevaikundam” in the god’s own country.  This is the richest temple in the world, not only for its wealth, but for the spiritual aspect too.  The peace we get from the atmosphere of the temple carry us to an unknown spiritual level.

The story about the temple in the Ananthasayanam Mahathmyam story is as follows.  Swami Divakar / Vilwamangalam Swami were in meditation for a long. He was chanting mantras of Lord Vishnu. Lord pleased at his meditation and appeared before him in the form of a beautiful Brahmin boy.  He got very fond of the boy and requested to stay with him.  Boy agreed with a condition that “not to question or scold him whatever he do” .  He will leave swami if happened so.  Day by day the boy becomes very naughty and disturbed swami in his poojas also.  One day the boy took “Salagramam” (stone with Lord Vishnu’s power).  The Swamy scold the boy.  Suddenly the boy disappeared and told him if you want to find me come to “Ananthankad”.  Then only he identify the boy was Lord Vishnu.  He very much disappointed and searched for “Ananthankad” and find lord Vishnu in the form of an idol in “Ananthankad”, the place where the Temple is now situated. The Idol was in the form of “Ananthasayanam” – Lord Vishnu lies on the serpant “Ananthan” in “Palazhi” (Sea of milk).

DARSAN TIME:

Morning

3.45 am to 5.00 am

6.30 am to 7.00 am

8.30 am to 10.00 am

10.30 am to 11.15 am

11.45 am to 12.30 am

Evening

5.00 pm to 6.15 pm

6.45 pm to 7.30 pm

Festival Time (Darsan)

Morning

3.45 am to 5.00 am

6.30 am to 7.00 am

8.30 am to 9.00 am

11.30 am to 12.00 am

Evening

5.00 pm to 6.00 pm

GURUVAYUR SREE KRISHNASWAMY TEMPLE CONTACT US

Address

Guruvayur Devaswom

Guruvayur, PIN 680 101, 

Thrissur, Kerala, India

email - admingd.ker@nic.in

guruvayurdevaswom@rediffmail.com

devaswom.guruvayur@gmail.com

Telephone No:  +91 487 255 6335, 255 6347, 255 6365, 255 6538, 255 6670, 255 6672, 2556346, 2555799 

Fax No: +91 487 255 4844

Shri Krishna Maha Mantra - Peaceful mantra - Must listen

Shri Krishna Maha Mantra

Peaceful mantra - Must listen

SRI KRISHNA MANTRA

GURUVAYUR SREE KRISHNASWAMY TEMPLE - FESTIVAL

GURUVAYUR SREE KRISHNASWAMY TEMPLE - FESTIVAL

Festival

1.Ekadasi Festival (Nov - Dec)

2.Religious festivals 

MANDALA POOJA

SARASWATHY POOJA

THIRUVONAM

ASHTAMI ROHINI

PUTHARI

VAISHAKHA

VISHU

KUCHELADINAM

SAMKRAMAM

3.Cultural Festivals

CHEMBAI MUSIC FESTIVAL

NARAYANEEYAM DAY

POONTHANAM DAY

KRISHNANATTAM

4.Utsavam

ANUAL FESIVAL

5.Auspicious Days and Observances

Ekadasi

Harivasaram

Dwadasi

Arkavratham

Somavaravratham

Shashtee Vratham

Ashtami Vratham

Pradosham

Navarathri

Sivarathri

Thiruvathira(Ardha)

Ashtamirohini

Deepavali

Akshaya Thritheeya

6.Special Days and Functions

Poonthanam Day

Melpathur Day and Melpathur Memorial

Krishnageethi Day

Ashtamirohini

Ekadasi

Commemoration of Kesavan

Aksharaslokam Competition

Geetha Day

Chembai Music Festival

Bhagavatha sapthaham

Sreemannarayaneeyam sapthaham

Kazhchakkula )Offering Plantain

Religious Discourses on Mandala, Vaisakha and Karkkidaka

Samkrama sandhya