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Sabarimala is a renowned south India pilgrimage center atop the rugged hills of the Western Ghats. This holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The place is situated 914 m above sea level, amidst the virgin forest wilderness of the Western Ghats.
The Village of Sabarimala is named after Shabari who did severe penance in order to meet Rama who granted her wish for her devotion and faith during her penance.
The pilgrims regardless of caste, creed, color, wear black dhotis and carry on bundles on their heads, which contain traditional offerings like coconut filled with ghee, camphor, and rice.
Sabarimala is one of the most important Hindu temples of Kerala. The Sabarimala Temple festival is celebrated in honor of Lord Ayyapan who is revered by all in India.
There are two main pujas called the Mandal Puja and the Makara Sankranti Puja, which are celebrated from November to Middle of January in Kerala, during which time the devotees perform austerities and penance.
Devotees undergo rigorous penance and severe living before starting on the pilgrimage. Devotees wearing dhotis are bare-chested as they prepare for the pilgrimage to Sabarimala.The temple is at the top of the Neeli hills and the devotees have to climb the treacherous route carrying their meager provision in a bundle called "Iru Mudi" meaning in "two folds".
The distance from the base of the hill to the top takes about three days to cover and the most important part of the pilgrimage are the final 18 steps, which lead to the temple. The temple dome is covered with gold and the devotees break the coconuts before climbing the steps.
Some of the main south India pilgrimage centers are:
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