Description of the attraction
Sabarimala is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage centers not only in India but throughout the world. It is located in the Western Ghats, in the state of Kerala. About 45-50 million people visit this holy place annually.
Sabarimala is considered to be the great place where the Hindu god Ayappa (Ayappa) meditated after defeating a powerful demon in female form Mahisu in battle. The temple of Ayappa is located on one of the 18 peaks of this area, at an altitude of 468 meters above sea level, among mountains and forests. Temples were also built on the rest of the peaks, some are still in operation.
Only men are allowed to visit the Ayappa Temple. Women of childbearing age, from 10 to 50 years old, are not allowed there. This is due to the fact that Ayappa is considered "immaculate", a celibate god-monk. All those wishing to visit the temple must first carry out vratham - a kind of 41-day fast, the beginning of which the pilgrims commemorate by putting on a "mala" - a garland of wooden beads for a rosary. Also during this period, it is expected to refuse food of animal origin (with the exception of dairy products), tobacco, alcohol. In addition, it is forbidden to use obscene expressions, to be given carnal pleasures, to have a haircut and shave. Traditionally, during vratham, men dress in clothes of black, blue or saffron colors, wash twice a day and pray regularly in the temple.
A mountain path leads to the temple of Ayappa, the length of which is about 52 km, and people believe that Ayappa himself climbed it. Therefore, it is considered especially honorable to climb it.
To date, it is not known exactly when Sabarimala became a place of pilgrimage. But after the construction of the temple, this place was practically forgotten. It was rediscovered by one of the local rulers three centuries later. In 1950, the temple was destroyed and burned down by some antisocial groups. But in 1971 it was completely restored.
