The Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is a highly venerated Hindu sanctuary dedicated to the deity Ayyappan, also known as Dharma Shasta. Shasta, honored as Harihar Putra, is worshipped as the celestial offspring of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva). Ayyappa is widely revered as an incarnation of Shasta.
Location and Significance
Perched at an altitude of around 3000 feet above sea level Sabarimala Temple is located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India, this temple is one of South India’s most revered. Encircled by 18 hills within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, it stands as one of the largest annual pilgrimage destinations globally, drawing an estimated 10 to 15 million devotees each year. The temple is situated on Sabarimala and is open to all devotees only on certain days and seasons.
The temple practices include the prohibition of female pilgrims between the ages of 10 and 50 years from accessing the temple premises. Traditionally, women between the ages of 10 and 50 (who are considered menstruating women) have been prohibited from entering the temple, which is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a deity believed to be celibate.
Supreme Court Ruling
In 2018, the Supreme Court of India ruled to overturn the ban on women entering the Sabarimala Temple, declaring it unconstitutional.
Origins and Legends
According to the Bhagavata Purana, after Mahishasura’s death by Durga, his sister Mahishi arrived to take revenge on the Devas. Brahma gave Mahishi a boon that made her invincible, and only a human born to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva could kill her. The afraid and helpless Devas sought assistance from Vishnu. Then Lord Vishnu assumed Mohini Avtar and united with Lord Shiva to give birth to Lord Shasta.
The Birth of Manikandan
The child was deserted on the riverbanks of the Pampa. The Emperor Rajasekhara of the Panthalam Dynasty, who didn’t have any children, found this child with a bell around his neck, took him to the Palace, and named him Manikandan. In the meantime, the queen delivered a baby. Harboring resentment towards Manikandan, the queen devised a scheme to eliminate him. She fabricated an illness and falsely claimed that only tiger’s milk could cure her. In response, twelve-year-old Manikandan bravely ventured into the wilderness to find the tiger’s milk for her.
Defeating Mahishi
On his journey through the forest, he destroyed Mahishi. The Devas were pleased at Mahishi’s death. Disguised as a tiger, Indra helped Manikandan make his way back to the kingdom. Upon his return, Manikandan shot an arrow into the forest to designate the site for a temple. He then instructed the people to build the temple at that spot before ascending to Devaloka.
Legend of Malikapurathamma
According to legend, Maalikapurathamma is the divine offspring of Cheerappanchira Panicker, who taught Ayyappa the ancient martial art of Kalarippayattu. Cheerappanchira, an illustrious and venerable noble Ezhava dynasty, is celebrated for their profound mastery and unrivaled expertise in this ancient martial art.
Ayyappan’s Training
According to legend, Ayyappan was sent by the Pandala King to Muhamma to learn Kalarippayattu. Malikapurathamma, revered as Ayyappa’s mother by his foster parents from the Pandala Dynasty, is honored in this context. The Cheerappanchira family holds many rights in Sabarimala temple rituals.
Historical Developments
In 1793, the Pandala Royal Family issued a mortgage document pledging revenue returns from Sabarimala Temple to Travancore State. In 1902, restoration efforts began after fire damage. Following an arson attack in 1950, meticulous reconstruction occurred; however, no charges were filed against anyone involved.
The Five Shasta Temples
The Five Shasta temples—Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, Achankovil, Sabarimala, and Ponnambalmedu—are linked to Parashurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Each temple represents different stages in Lord Shasta’s life.
Festivals at Sabarimala
Mandala Pooja is a vital ritual period extending from approximately November 15 to December 26. Other significant festivals include Onam, Pankuni Uthram (Lord’s Birthday), Vishu, Makaravilakku or Makara Sankranti (January 14), and Maha Thirumal Sankranti (April 14).
Pilgrim Preparations
Pilgrims begin their journey weeks in advance by adopting a simpler lifestyle through celibacy and vegetarianism during Mandala Vrutham. They wear black or blue attire and refer to each other as “Swami,” meaning “God.”Ritual Practices
After bathing in the Pamba River, pilgrims proceed barefoot with an Irumudi (offering bag) on their heads. They ascend 18 steps each symbolizing a dharmic value, leading to the shrine while chanting sacred shlokas.
Main Offerings at Sabarimala
- Neyyabhishekam: A sacred ritual in which the idol of Lord Ayyappa is anointed with ghee (clarified butter) rather than water.
- Vedi Vazhipaadu: A ritual that involves detonating a device called a “Kathina” to create a loud bang to drive away wild animals.
- Ashtabhishekam: A significant ritual offering to Lord Ayyappa.
- Annadanam: A donation of food to devotees.
- Palpayasam: An offering of sweet milk.
- Pushpanjali: An offering of flowers presented to the deity.
- Padi Pooja: A unique and significant ceremony where the 18 holy steps (Pathinettampadi) are decorated with flowers and silk cloth, held in the evening after Pushpabhishekam.
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