Sabarimala is the abode of Lord Ayyappa(sometimes spelled as Aiyappa also) located in midst of
absolute greenery. Devotees all over the country visit sannidhanam wearing Ayyappa
Maala – a vratam performed by devotees for a period of 41 days. Sabarimala
temple attracts large number of devotees from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil
Nadu and Telangana compared to any other state. Peak season at Sabarimala will
be from November to January till Makara Sankrathi or Makara Sankramana day. Temple
management with kerala police arranges all the facilities in order to provide
hassle free darshan for devotees during peak season and other arrangements like
virtual Queue. Temple will be open every month for mandala pooja apart from the
regular pooja of the months of November, December and January and will be
closed till sacred days of next month. Devotees are less during Mandala pooja
time and one can have easy darshan of Lord Ayyappa.
Lord Ayyappa sannidhanam
Sabarimala can be reached from various places and nearest
being the Chenganur called gateway of Sabarimla which is connected by road and
railways. During Mandala pooja and regular pooja time Kerala road Transport
Corporation arranges special buses plying from Chenganur to Pampa (also
pronounced as Pamba) and back. Pamba bridge which has to be crossed to reach
sabarimala is at a distance of 93 kms from Chenganur. It takes three hours for
public transport to reach Pamba from Chenganur and same time for returning. Considering
the travel time required, plan the travel accordingly.
Chenganur Bus stand
Chenganur Railway station - has clean waiting hall both for AC and non-AC reserved passengers
on the way to pampa from Chenganur
On the way to Pampa from Chenganur
Pampa bus stand
From river pampa, Ayyappa sannidhanam (sannidhanam refers to
temple) is at a distance of 6 kms to be covered by walking. Initial two and
half kilometers is steep and after that the road is normal suitable for regular
walk. As a custom large number of devotees walk to sabarimala bare foot even
though there is no strict rule on it.
way to Pampa
Pampa bridge to reach Sannidhanam
Shopping complex at Pampa
pampa
Trek to Ayyappa sannidhanam started with the dip in holy
river Pampa which was clean due to heavy rain fall when we visited. Crossing
river Pampa we need to proceed for Sabarimala Ayyappa darshan. After having
darshan of Lord Ganapathy, Anjaneya, Rama and Goddess Parvathy, we started to
starting point of trek which is backside of these temples.
Ganesha Temple at pampa
Way to Sannidhanam
Govt. Cardiology Center for devotees
On trek path - some times slippery
Trek path
Trek path
Initial trekking path is steep and has steps. One can enjoy
the nature and trek slowly taking little breaks. Be careful as it is slippery
at some places. Street vendors selling water, fruits and other required things
are common in trek path. Health center is also being set up in between for the
devotees requiring emergency medical help.
Dolly service for the aged from Pampa to Sabarimala
Sabaripeedam
Sabaripeetam
In between Sabari peetam is present on the way where Sabari
met lord Ayyappa and the name Sabarimala is due to her to the hill. Nearing Ayyappa
sannidhanam we can see many shops and in the trek route tractors carrying
construction material is normally seen. But other vehicles are not allowed to
Sannidhanam from Pampa.
Tractors carrying construction material
View from Sabarimala
Since, it was Mandala pooja time we could have good darshan
of lord Ayyappa twice and could take rest in reserved rooms before starting
back. Also, we visited nearby deities and Vavar thara – a small temple built
for sufi saint and friend of Lord Ayyappa. It was enriching experience to be in
middle of greenery and see devotees coming from different places to have
darshan of lord Ayyappa with a hope to relieve them from all their
difficulties.
Temple Entrance with 18 steps allowed only for devotees with Irumudi
Alternate path for devotees without Irumudi
Vavaruswamy - friend of Lord Ayyappa
place in front of temple main gate to relax
Sabarimala
Heavy rain
serve good quality Coffee and Tea at Sabarimala
In return we took other path which is being used during peak
time. The road is steep and requires careful stepping as railings are not
present to hold and carefully descend. The roads are well-lit and can walk
during night time also.
Alternate path to reach or come from Pampa
Petrol bunk at Pampa
Due to modernization, mobile networks with 3G connection and
ATMs of many banks are available both in Sabarimala hill and Pampa also. A
petrol pump or petrol bunk is present in Pampa for refueling if you are going
by own vehicle. Accommodation can be booked online itself for accommodation at
Sabarimala itself using their online reservation system (
website link) which helps for a
planned journey to God’s abode.
