The Origins of the Sabarimala Temple

The Sabarimala temple is one of the most visited sites located in Kerala. It is situated in the middle of the Periyar tiger reserve in the Western Ghat ranges. There are several other temples too on this hill, some are operational and many are just old remains. Lord Ayyappa is the main deity of the Sabarimala temple who is believed to be the combined form of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. According to some beliefs, Lord Ayyappa is a form of Buddha but no evidence is there to prove it. Vaishnavism and Shaivism are symbolised by Lord Ayyappa who helps to propagate the edicts of both the sects.

Origin Of Sabarimala Temple

The origin of the temple is debatable and not much known and various experts have their own theories about the establishment of the temple. Since ancient times in south India sastha worship was prevalent and it is believed that the Avatar of Lord Ayyappa was the prince of the Pandalam dynasty who visited here to meditate. This site is known as Manimandapam.
The Sabarimala temple was founded by Lord Parshuram and it is one of the five sastha temples founded by him. During ancient times it was very difficult to reach the temple because of geographical reasons but king Rajasekhra Pandian found the real path to the temple in the 12th century AD. The modern-day idol of Lord Ayyappa was placed in 1910.

Significance of Sabarimala Temple

• Pilgrims of several sects like Shaivism, and Vaishnavism visit Sabarimala for their worship and anyone can visit here irrespective of religion, caste or colour.
• A 40 day fast and complete celibacy during this period is required by the devotees and self-restraint from worldly affairs is also required.
• Until the return from the temple, the devotees do not shave and their forehead is rubbed with sandal paste.
• The pilgrims are identified by their black or blue dress, rudraksha mala and they have to strictly avoid meat and tobacco.
• There are 18 sacred steps which lead to the main temple and according to several beliefs, the first five steps denote sense organs, the next five denoted the Ragsas, another three symbolises Gunas and the remaining two denote Vidya and Avidya. According to some other beliefs these 18 steps represent Puranas.
• The idol of lord Ayyappa was set up by lord Parshuram himself. 
• The Sabarimala temple is believed to be one of the largest annual pilgrimages throughout India. 

The Architecture Of The Sabarimala Temple

• The Sabarimala temple is situated in the middle of hills at a height of around 4133 feet and dense forests, and mountains surround the temple.
• The temple is constructed on a plateau which is 40 feet high and the dome of the temple is covered with gold.
• The idol of Lord Ayyappa is made by using the Panchaloha element which is an alloy of five metals. And the roof of the main temple is copper plated.
• Within the premises of the temple, a shrine is dedicated to Lord Ganapati and as a mark of respect, the devotees break coconut in front of the deity.

Festivals In Sabarimala Temple 

During the months of November to April, annual festivals are celebrated at the temple. Makar sankranti puja and mandal puja are the two main pujas done at the temple. During this time, a maximum number of people visit the temple. The mandalpooja begins on 15 November and continues till 26 December. Then, on 14 January, makaravilakku or Makar Sankranti puja begins which continues for seven days. Maha Vishua Sankranti, which is celebrated on 14 April, is also worshipped in the temple.  

Rituals In Sabarimala Temple 

•  Ayyappa chakram: The ayyappa chakram is offered at the feet of the lord to receive his blessings. It can be gotten from the counter of the temple. 
• Neyyabhishekam: It is believed to be the best way to serve god. Pilgrims bring ghee inside a coconut and the lord is bathed with that ghee. For pilgrims who come from other cities, there are arrangements in the temple. 
• Laksharchana: Pilgrims in a group repeat the name of the lord as a mantra 1 lakh times. 
• Padi pooja: This is a unique type of pooja which is performed on the holy 18 steps of the shrine. Each step is worshipped separately and is believed that whosoever performs this puja is relieved of all the evil effects and attains spiritual enlightenment. 
• Sahasrakalasm: Under this ritual, 1000 pots full of water, which are made up of brass, gold and silver are offered to the deity to receive the blessings. 

Conclusion 

The Sabarimala temple is located in Kerala. It is situated in the middle of the hills and surrounded by mountains and dense forests. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The origin of the temple is debatable and not much known but it is believed that the Avatar of Lord Ayyappa was the prince of the Pandalam dynasty who visited here to meditate.

The temple is constructed on a plateau which is 40 feet high and the dome of the temple is covered with gold. The idol of Lord Ayyappa is made by using the Panchaloha element which is an alloy of five metals. During the months of November to April, annual festivals are celebrated at the temple. Makar sankranti puja and mandal puja are the two main pujas done at the temple. The Sabarimala temple is believed to be one of the largest annual pilgrimages throughout India.