Sabarimala is one of the busiest pilgrimage centre in India.
Each year lakhs of people visit the Sabarimala temple to see their favorite God
Ayyappa in his temple. The Sabarimala temple is located on the top of a hill
named Sabarimala. The pilgrimage season is usually between November and
January. The devotes visit the Sabarimala temple during this season. Two main
rituals are performed at this season. The two rituals performed are Mandala Puja
and Makara Sankranti Puja. The temple is situated on the top of Western Ghats
in Pathanamthitta.
There are devotees from Andhra Pradeh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala
mainly. The road to Sabarimala is a difficult one. The people visiting the
temple for the first time are known as ‘Kanni Swami’ and the group leader is
known as ‘Guru Swami’. The Guru Swami will perform the rituals. Each group, usually
family will climb the mountain on bare foot. The path is a very difficult one. It
is believed that one must encounter all difficulties in life. The devotes will
chant the name of Lord Ayyappa to gain strength on this rugged journey. There is a long history associated with Lord
Ayyappa. This year also the devotees are getting ready to visit the Sabarimala
temple.
