11 Lesser-Known Facts And Beliefs About Sabarimala Temple

Located in south India, the Sabarimala Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples in India. The Sabarimala temple complex is situated in the Periyar Tiger Reserve forest in Pattanamthitta district of Kerala, and is considered one of the holiest amongst the Hindus. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappan. The temple was recently in the news when the Supreme Court of India on September 28, 2018, overturned the centuries-old ban on the entry of women (in the age group of 10-50 years) in the temple. The belief is that Lord Ayyappa is an eternal celibate and hence post puberty and pre menopause women should not be entering the temple. The reaction to the judgement has been a mixed one. While some welcomed the decision, others resorted to protests (with assault on women journalists).

With this perspective of the current situation, we bring you some interesting facts and beliefs surrounding the Sabarimala temple.

1. The temple derives its name from Shabari – the character in Ramayana who fed Rama

Sabarimala literally means “the hills of Shabari”. In Ramayana, Shabari has been described as a devotee of Lord Rama who lived in these hills. As the legend goes, Shabari fed Lord Rama berries that she had tasted for sweetness, while he was on his way to Lanka to rescue Sita, who had been abducted by the demon King Ravana.

2. Lord Ayyappan is believed to be son of Lord Shiva and Vishnu’s Mohini avatar

The Sabarimala temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappan also known as Dharma Shasta. It is believed to be the place where Lord Ayyappa meditated after killing Mahishi, a buffalo-faced demoness, who was the sister of Mahishasur. Mahishi wanted to avenge her brother’s death who was killed by Goddess Durga. However, she was killed in a battle by Lord Ayyappan.

3. The idol of Lord Ayyappa is made of five metals

The idol of Lord Ayyappa is made of five metals (Panchkola), namely gold, silver, iron, copper and lead. A folklore says that Lord Parashuram installed eight idols of Dharma Shasta along the Western Ghats, and one of the sites is where Lord Rama had met Dharma Shasta. At Sabarimala the deity is worshipped as Ayyappan and Dharam Shasta.

4. Sabarimala temple is surrounded by 18 hills and pilgrims have to cross 18 steps to reach temple

The first five steps represents the five human senses (sight, sound, smell, touch and taste). The next eight steps represent the eight human rages (lust, anger, inordinate desire, attachment, pride, jealousy, braggy and unhealthy competition). The next three steps signify the inborn qualities of Satva (goodness), Rajas (passion) and Tamas (chaos) and the last two represent Vidya (knowledge) and Avidya (ignorance).

5. Sabarimala is the site of one of the largest gatherings of pilgrims in the world

Every year an estimated 15-30 million devotees visit the temple. Some estimates put this number of annual visitors close to 50 million. The temple is open for worship from Nov 15 to Dec 26 for Mandalapooja, for Makara Sankranti on Jan 14, for Maha Vishuva Sankranti on Apr 14 and for the first five days of each Malayalam month.

6. A 41 day fast (Vratham) is a must for every Sabarimala devotee, who wants to reach the sanctum of the temple

During this vratham, one has to adhere to certain rules like observing celibacy, having only a lacto-vegetarian diet, no cutting of hair and nails, wearing a rudraksha necklace, not using foul language, not consuming tobacco or alcohol, helping others, bathing twice a day and only wearing plain black or blue coloured traditional dressing. After observing the fasting ritual, the devotee takes a trek to the temple and experience spiritual fulfilment.

7. Sabarimala temple is located on a hilltop at an altitude of 480 metres from mean sea level

Temples still exists in each of the hills surrounding the Sabarimala temples. Some temples are still functional today, at many places, while ruins of old temples still survive on remaining hills.

8. Sabarimala temple has a strong connection to a Muslim saint named Vavar

There are many legends about Vavar and his association with Lord Ayyappa. Some believe he was a saint while others suggest that he was a warrior, though the exact history of Vavar is unknown. The “Vavar palli” mosque, named after him, is in the vicinity of the temple. En route to the temple, the devotees come here and worship “Vavarswamy”.

9. Every day, before the temple is closed, Harivarasanam is sung to Lord Ayyappa

It is a lullaby, composed in Sanskrit by Srinivasa Iyer, who used to recite it to the Lord every day after the Athaza puja. The composition is made of 8 stanzas, consisting 32 lines and a total of 108 words.

10. The annual festival of Makaravilakku is held on Makar Sankranti at the shrine

Legend has it that when Shabari offered Lord Rama berries after tasting them, he gladly accepted them. Lord Rama then noticed a divine person meditating and asked Shabari about him. Shabari said he was Shasta. When Lord Rama walked towards him, Shasta broke his meditation and welcomed the Lord. It is to commemorate this event that Makaravilakku is celebrated. It is believed that on this day Lord Dharma Shasta stops to meditate to bless his devotees in the form of a star called Makara Jyothi.

11. The pilgrims pour sacred ghee on the idol of Lord Ayyappa

This ritual is called Neyyabhishekam. The pilgrims carry the ghee in a handwoven cotton cloth, having two compartments to hold the offerings. The prasadam at Sabarimal temple is Arvana payasam and Appam made out of rice, ghee, sugar, jaggery and various other ingredients.

With the recent controversy surrounding the temple, we are sure these facts and beliefs would provide a perspective of the temple which many of us are not aware of.