Sabarimala

Sabarimala is a beautiful mountain in Kerala, India famous for the Ayyappa temple which attracts 50 million visitors every year. Sabarimala mountain is situated inside the evergreen forests of Periyar Tiger Reserve on Western Ghat mountain ranges. It is 1535 ft above sea level.

Sabaripeedam at sabarimala - Sabaripeedam

Sabarimala Halal Travel Guide

The temple is dedicated Lord Dharmashastha or popularly known as Ayyappan. Sabarimala allows pilgrims of all religions but women between 12 and 50 are not allowed. This is because Ayyappa prohibits the entry of the women in the menstrual age group as Ayyappan is a Bramhachari (celibate).

Conditions for pilgrimage

Pilgrims are required to adopt an ascetic lifestyle before climbing the hill, including abstention from drinking, smoking, and tobacco for a period of at least a week before climbing the hill rock; abstention from consuming any non-vegetarian food or any kind of food that contains roots of plants. Food must be consumed only after bathing and praying, and in limited quantities. Pilgrims are also to refrain from sex, shaving, having a haircut and using luxuries such as perfumes, scents, silk clothes and shoes.

Dress code

Devotees wear blue, black or saffron-coloured costumes. All pilgrims carry an Irrumudi-Kettu, which is a bag containing a coconut filled with ghee, puja materials, Rice and banana which will be folded into two halves and carried on one's head. All devotees must chant "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" (which means Ayyappa is my saviour) as a token of devotion. Every other person when met at Sabarimala is referred to as Ayyappa and must not be called by his or her name.

Travel to Sabarimala

Thiruvananthapuram, 170 kilometers and Nedumbassery, 160km are the nearest airports. The nearest train stations are Chengannur 82 kilometers, Tiruvalla 92 kilometers, Kottayam 120km and Kollam 129 km. The main trunk road to Sabarimala is Pathanamthitta - Pamba, which passes through, Mannarakulanji, Vadasserikara, Perunad, Laha, Nilackal > Pampa (70 kilometers). Direct buses are also available from Ernakulam and Kumili. On special days, when the temple is opened for Poojas, KSRTC operates more services to all major towns of Kerala and neighboring states.

Get Around

Sreekovil at sabarimala - Sreekovil [[18 steps at sabarimala - 18 Holy Steps

The temple is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 468 m above mean sea level, and is surrounded by mountains and dense forests. Temples exist in each of the hills surrounding Sabarimala. While functional and intact temples exist at many places in the surrounding areas like Nilackal, Kalaketi, and Karimala, remnants of old temples survive to this day on remaining hills. Devotees must climb the mountains range to reach the temple. For this, pilgrims trek 4.5 kilometers route into dense forest path, leaving all vehicles at Nilakkal parking station. For handicapped pilgrims, doli service (palanquins) are available. The main temple is better known as Sannidhanam (Sacred Abode), constructed on top of a raised platform. 18 golden steps lead to temple shrine, each step considered sacred with reference to each Hindu Veda and other scriptures. 2 temples are located at ground floor, one dedicated to Lord Ganesh and another for Goddess. A giant fire pit is situated on left side 18 golden steps, where devotees need to burn their coconuts as a token burning their sins.

Time to visit

The temple is open for 41 days from November 16th or 17th (1st day of Vrishicka Month of Malayalam Calendar) and goes till mid of January. The grand festivities of Makara Sankrathi marks the end of Mandala pilgrimage. Apart from this pilgrimage season and the temple opens for all 1st and 2nd day for Malayalam Month. For tourists and the second option is more ideal than Mandala pilgrimage, considering the heavy rush.

Main pujas and offerings

The main pujas are on opening and closing days of Mandalam Pilgrimage as well as on Makara Sankrathi day, which attended by maximum number of pilgrims. The 10 day annual festival also coincide with Mandalam pilgrimage. Apart from special day pujas, 4 pujas are considered highly sacred which is conducted on daily basis. The Usha Puja (Morning Puja), Ucha Puja (Afternoon Puja), Abishekam (pouring libations) and Padi Puja (special pujas conducted on 18 holy steps at closure of temple in night). The temple is also famous for lighting maximum camphors as a token of devotion.

The main offering sacred to lord is Abishekams. Neyyu-Abishekams (Ghee Pouring) is highly sacred and ghee brought by all devotees in their Irumudi Kettus will be used to do. Likewise in evenings Pushabishekam (Flower pourings) as well as Bhasma Absihekam (ash pourings) will be conducted, which all be distributed among devotees. Another common offerings are Appam (a sweet dumplings) as well as Aravana (a thick sweet black dessert made of jaggery) which most of devotees buy.

See

In addition to the spiritual experience, Sabarimala is situated in the very heart of evergreen forest in a very mountainous terrain. So all the attractions of a forest are available to you at Sabarimala.

Do

• Trekking up the Mountain - Start from Plapalli, proceed to Aangaamuzhi. and then to Muzhiyaar and finally to Sabarigiri road.

Halal Restaurants in Sabarimala

Free food is distributed among devotees during all pilgrimage seasons, by various organizations and governmental agency.

The following food items are also provided by the government agencies on payment of cash.

• Andhra Style Meals - White Rice with spiced pickles, pachadis, podis and appadam. ₹50

• Aravana Appam - Small dark brown dumplings available only at Sabarimala. ₹25.00 for a packet.

• Aravana Payasam - Temple dessert prepared with Rice, ghee and jaggery. ₹60 for a tin.

• Kerala style lunch - Brown Rice with Sambar, Rasam, Moru, Thoran, Aviyal and Pickle. ₹48.00

• Masala Dosai - A fermented crepe made from Rice batter, black lentils, potato and onions. ₹35

• Vegetable Biriyani. - Rice cooked with vegetables, spices and ghee. ₹45

}} Alcohol is strictly prohibited.

• Milma Jersy Milk - ₹22.00

• Milma Sambharam - buttermilk. ₹10

• Porridge, Lentils & Pickle - ₹27.00

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Sabarimala

Sabarimala - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Sabarimala, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sabarimala. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Sabarimala and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Sabarimala. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Sabarimala. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSabarimala: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Sabarimala.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Sabarimala: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Sabarimala, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Sabarimala.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Sabarimala, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Sabarimala, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Sabarimala and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Sabarimala, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Sabarimala, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Sabarimala without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sabarimala is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Sabarimala.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Sabarimala is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Sabarimala, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Sabarimala Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Facilities provided for devotees can be insufficient for tourists as the devotees are expected to lead a simple and ascetic life during the pilgrimage period. They have to walk without shoes and sleep without mattresses and such austerities can be difficult for ordinary tourists used to creature comforts.

• Forest Dormitory - ☎ +91 4735-202074 - ₹80
• Palazhi Guest House - ☎ +91 4735-202049 - ₹350
• Poorna, Pushkala Hall - ☎ +91 4735-202049 - ₹1,275
• Shiva Shakthi Guest House - ☎ +91 4735-202049 - ₹975
• Thriveni Hotel Pamba

Stay Safe

On Friday 14 January 2011, a human stampede occurred just outside the pilgrimage, after a vehicle fell down on the small pathway. Around 100 people were reported dead, with roughly 100 more injured. The accident happened in Pulmedu, around 25 kilometers by road from the forest shrine in Idukki District.

Travel Next

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.