Best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala, Sabarimala is situated high up in the Sahyadri Mountains. Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples. It is believed that "Parasurama Maharshi" who uplifted Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad.
The Sree Ayyappa Temple located on the Sabari hills in the Western Ghats and is popularly referred to as Sabarimala that is an important Hindu pilgrimage site in Kerala, South India.
Various legends explain the birth of Ayyappa, among them that he was born to battle the demons of Kerala's hill tribes. Brought up by a childless tribal king, Ayyappa performs many miracles. After fulfilling the purpose of his incarnation, Ayyappa entered the inner sanctum of the ancient temple upon sacred Mt Sabari and disappeared. During his life, Ayyappa reportedly kept the company of tigers and leopards.
A unique feature of Sabarimala temple tours is the fact that you have to trek past a nature trail in the thick forests of Western Ghats. Sabarimala pilgrimage tours are performed in the months of November to January. Devotees fast, pray and observe a celibate lifestyle 41 days prior to Sabarimala temple tours.
As legend goes it was in the Sabarimala village that Shabari prayed and worshipped Lord Rama and fed him sweet jungle berries when he visited her. According to another legend the Sabarimala temple was established by Lord Parasurama and it is believed that he personally dedicated this temple to the worship of Lord Ayyappa.
