The Sabarimala Pilgrimage in Kerala is a unique religious event, which attracts devotees from all across India. Pilgrims observe strict austerities and travel to a temple located on the Sahyadri Mountains of the Western Ghats in Kerala. You can visit this destination known for its beautiful locale as well as its religious ambience on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.
Sabarimala Kerala:
Sabarimala in Kerala is the focus of an annual pilgrimage carried out by thousands of pilgrims every year. The principal deity at Sabarimala is Lord Ayyappa who is considered to be a union of Shiva and Vishnu. Lord Ayyappa is seen as a unifying focus of the Shaivite and Vaishnavite branches of Hinduism. Lord Ayyappa is also known as Dharma Shasta and some scholars have interpreted this to mean Lord Buddha, however there is no evidence of Lord Buddha's coming to Kerala and therefore this theory is disputed.
The route to the Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala passes through the forests of the Sahyadri Mountains. The route to Sabarimala is thickly forested and its greenery and the scenic hills make it a beautiful location. Pilgrims who decide to make the pilgrimage need to observe strict self-discipline. A majority of the pilgrims are men. A fast for forty days, celibacy, growing a beard and daily prayer rituals are part of the preparation for the Sabarimala pilgrimage in Kerala, India. Young girls and elderly women also make the pilgrimage trip to Sabarimala. All boundaries of class, caste and region are forgotten as the pilgrims travel to Sabarimala in complete harmony. The scenic destinations of Sabarimala can be visited year round, and it is quieter and less crowded during non-pilgrimage season. You can see the scenic beauty and experience the spiritual ambience of Sabarimala on Kerala Tours with Kerala Backwater.
Celebrations at the Sabarimala Temple, Kerala:
The most auspicious day of the Sabarimala Pilgrimage is the Makara Vilakku day. This day falls around January 14th.Thousands of pilgrims travel to the Sabarimala temple to seek the blessings of Ayappan and to view the Makkara Vilakku - a light that appears on a nearby hill as an indication of the presence of the divine. Near the Sabarimala temple is the shrine of Vavar, a Muslim friend and devotee of Lord Ayyappa. In a wonderful example of communal amity, pilgrims to the Sabarimala temple also pray at the shrine of Vavar.
Experience the spiritual environment and see the beautiful Sahyadri Hills of the Western Ghats when you travel to Sabarimala on Kerala Tours with Kerala Backwater.
| 
