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5. Sabarimala Temple

Sabarimala is a famous Hindu Pilgrimage in Kerala, India. The temple is visited by around 5 million devotees every year. Sabarimala Sree Ayappa Temple is considered one of the oldest Sastha temples in India. The holy shrine of Sabarimala Temple is situated in most remote region of South India yet it draws heavy pilgrim population. It is believed that Shree Ayappa meditated at Sabarimala temple.

The main pilgrimage season starts from December to January every year. The period during Mandala Pooja (December) and Makaravilakku (January) registers record breaking devotee population. These events are considered the main events at Sabarimala Temple. The temple is open for first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (month of April) and remains closed for rest of the year.

Sabarimala Temple is open to every caste, creed and colour but certain customs are to be followed strictly if one commences a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. The pilgrim attending pilgrimage to Sabarimala Temple must abstain himself from non-vegetarian food and bodily pleasures. Pilgrimage is carried out in groups and every group is headed by a leader. Every pilgrim carries a cloth bundle which consists of traditional offerings. The temple is open to every male and to every female who either passed fertility age or is still to reach puberty. Pamba is the main halting spot in the pilgrimage from where a trek of 5 kms is made to reach Sabarimala temple. 

Image Credits: AnjanaMenon