SNIPPETS OF INFORMATION
TEMPLES - Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, Pathanamthitta, Kerala
9 Sep 2021
Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
Lord Ayyappa is believed to be the son of Siva & Vishnu (when he
took the female avatar of Mohini). The temple is however open to
devotees of all religions and promotes religious harmony.
The temple is situated on the Sabarimala hill, in the western ghats
amidst dense forests in the Pathanamthitta district, Kerala.
The temple is open only on specific days - Vishu Vilakku
(April), Mandalapooja (Nov-Dec), and Makaravilakku (Jan)
during Makara Sankranti and the first 5 days of the every Malayalam
month.
Devotees have to practice 41 days of viratham before going on a pilgrimage to Sabarimala.
Vavar is believed to be a warrior or a Muslim saint who reached Kerala
from Arabia. He was defeated by Lord Ayyappa and ever since they
became close friends. Lord Ayyappa requested the Pandala king to
build a mosque for Vavar at Erumely (Vavaraswami's mosque near an
Aiyappa temple). There is also a shrine dedicated to Vavar swami at Sabarimala.
A small shrine to Valiya Kadutha is located on the left side of holy steps.
References: sabarimala.tdb.org.in ; sabarimala.kerala.gov.in ; wikipedia
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