(Top left and right): Pilgrims climbing the holy Pathinettampadi of the Sabarimala temple; (Bottom left and right): Coconut offerings being burnt after darshan

      The Sabarimala temple in the hilly forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala is a very famous pilgrim centre drawing lakhs and lakhs of devotees from far and wide during the months of December-January. The pilgrimage involves harduous trekking of a day after 41 days of penance and rituals The trekking through the forests used to be very risky in the olden times as wild animals like leopards and elephants killed many pilgrims. Today most of the distance is covered by transport and there is little danger from the wild animals. The main deity at the Sri Dharmasastha temple is of Lord Ayyappa (Swamy Saranam Ayyappa).

     The legend is that Lord Ayyappa as a baby was found abandoned in the forests on the bank of Pamba river by the childless Pandalam Raja while hunting and he adopted him as his son. When he grew up, he showed his divine powers, left the palace and took Sabari as his abode. Those visiting the temple should strictly follow the customs and traditions laid down for the devotees. Nobody is allowed to climb the famous 'Pathinettampadi' (18 steps) leading to the sanctum sanctorum without an 'irumudikettu' (a bundle of various offerings) on one's head. Women and children are also not allowed. The temple is open to people of all faiths. There are many non-Hindus undertaking the pilgrimage too. The legend has it that the lord had a Muslim called Vavar as his lieutenant in the palace to look after the law and order in the kingdom. Therefore there exists in the vicinity the 'Vavar nada' in his honour. All pilgrims worship at this place also.

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The pilgrims keep chanting 'Swamiye Saranamayyappa, Dharmasasthave Saranamayyappa' in praise of the Sastha deity

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