President Droupadi Murmu recently made a historic visit to the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, becoming the first woman head of state to offer prayers at the renowned hilltop shrine.

About Sabarimala Temple
Sabarimala Temple is one of the most prominent Hindu pilgrimage centers in India, renowned for its unique traditions and massive annual influx of devotees. The temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is situated atop a hill in the Western Ghats of Kerala, specifically within the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Pathanamthitta district.​

Location and Access
The temple is located about 3,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by 18 hills, making it a physically challenging pilgrimage site.​
Pilgrims traditionally reach Sabarimala via forest treks, with the route from Pamba being popular for those seeking a less physically demanding journey.​

Religious Significance

• The main deity, Lord Ayyappa (also known as Dharma Sastha), is believed to be the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini, the female incarnation of Lord Vishnu.​
• The temple represents religious harmony, exemplified by the inclusion of a place dedicated to Vavar, a Muslim associate of Lord Ayyappa, near the main shrine.​
• Sabarimala is open to people of all religions, and the pilgrimage emphasizes austerity, discipline, and spiritual reflection.​

Pilgrimage Traditions and Rituals

• The primary pilgrimage season is the Mandala-Makaravilakku period from November to January, with shorter openings during other auspicious dates.​
• Devotees observe 41 days of strict celibacy and follow a disciplined way of life before their journey, carrying offerings in a kit called ‘Irumudi’.​
• The ascent to the temple culminates in climbing the sacred 18 steps, which is considered a significant rite for devotees.​
• Ritual bathing in the Pamba River precedes the trek and temple entry, reinforcing the symbolism of physical and spiritual purification.​

Historical and Mythological Roots

• Sabarimala is steeped in legends, with its founding attributed to Sage Parasurama (an avatar of Vishnu) and later stewardship by the Pandalam royal family.​
• Lord Ayyappa’s narrative involves his divine birth and mission, and the pilgrimage mirrors his own ascetic journey and devotion.​
• The site showcases an amalgamation of Dravidian religious traditions and Hindu orthodox beliefs.​

Unique Features and Controversies

• Traditionally, women of menstruating age (10-50 years) were prohibited from entering the temple, a rule that was overturned by a 2018 Supreme Court judgment but remains a topic of societal debate.​
• The temple complex and route are noted for their serene natural beauty, enriched by the surrounding wildlife and dense forests.​

Annual Pilgrimage Scale

• Sabarimala is one of the largest annual pilgrimage centers globally, drawing 10 to 15 million devotees each year, especially during the peak season.​
• Sabarimala thus stands out as a symbol of devotion, interfaith harmony, and enduring tradition, playing an essential role in Kerala’s religious and cultural heritage.

Sabarimala Case

• Women in their ‘menstruating years’ (between 10 to 50 years) were customarily prohibited from entering the temple.
• In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that the Sabarimala temple's exclusion of women aged 10 to 50 was unconstitutional.
• The verdict triggered widespread protests and remains under review by a larger bench.

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