Ayyappan Temple

Sabarimala Shree Ayyappan Temple is one of the most ancient temples in Kerala. Ayyappan temple is the most prominent and famous among all the Sastha temples. Reference can be dated back to that of the Ramayana where Parasurama consecrated the deity of the temple at the foot of the Sabari hills. Ayyappa temple is universally famous for its secularism and communal harmony. The temple is open to everyone irrespective of cast, creed, sex, religion, and social status and hence all humans are equal before LORD AYYAPPA. There is no other temple in the world in which pilgrims itself are called after the deity of the temple.

In front of the temple the Holy word "THATHWAMASI" is written which shows how one is related to Lord Ayyappa. It means that Lord Ayyappa is always around us, he is in our body, soul, thoughts and every inch of our body is made up of the blessings of the Parmatma. Since Lord is within us we shouldn't look outside to seek salvation. During the 41 day Mandalam period which begins from the 1st day of the fourth month of the Malayalam calendar millions of devotees visit the Ayyappan temple situated on the Sabari hills. The emphasis of this lies in the fact that during this period people give up all their material desires and surrenders oneself to the thought of Lord. It's a kind of penance for all the sins. During the period the devotees greet themselves as "Swami Saranam" to be reciprocated as "Ayyappa Saranam".

A dip in the Holy River Pumba before moving towards the Sabari Hills is an experience in it self. The most important offering to Lord Ayyappa is a Ghee filled coconut. The hard shell of the coconut signifies how hard our material desires are, the soft fruit signifies our soft heart and filling the coconut with pure ghee signifies our true love for God. There are a number of historical stories regarding Lord Ayyappa of Sabarimala. Lord Ayyappa in the posture of meditation is seen in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. This posture is known as the "Nirvikalpa Samadhi" of the Lord. The visit to the temple on the whole is an enchanting experience.