Sabarimala
temple is the most famous and prominent among
all the sastha Temples. It is believed that the, "Parasurama
Maharshi" who uplifted Kerala from the sea by
throwing his axe, installed the idol
of Ayyappa at Sabarimala. The pilgrimage begins
in the month of May and ends in February. The temple
attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states,
but also from other parts of the country and abroad.
The main pilgrimage is undertaken between November
and January. Those wishing to perform pilgrimage have
to undergo forty-one day’s
penance consisting of strict celibacy, daily
ablutions and daily prayers. Early mornings and evenings
in the festival season Kerala villagers will be reverberating
with dedication calls of Ayyappa
devotees. Ayappa darsan
on Makaravilakku day
is the most important event of the pilgrimage.
Makaravillakku is the special day, when a mystical
lamp appears from among the forest, opposite to the
temple. Devotees throng the temple to see this lamp.
