Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple
ശബരിമല ശ്രീ ധർമ്മശാസ്താ ക്ഷേത്രം
Lord Ayyappa (Dharma Sastha) · Pamba (Base town), Kerala
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About the temple
One of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world; famous for the 'Makaravilakku'. Self-discipline, equality, and ultimate spiritual liberation (Moksha).
Temple information
- Darshan timings
- 03:00 – 23:30
- Established
- 12
- Best time to visit
- Monthly opening days (less crowd than Mandala season)
- Entry fee
- Free
Deity
Lord Ayyappa (Dharma Sastha) · അയ്യപ്പൻMalikappurathammaVavar SwamyKadutha SwamyKaruppa SwamyNagaraja
- Deity form
- In the state of "Naishtika Brahmacharya" (Eternal Celibate) in Chinmudra
- Religious tradition
- Kerala Tantric Sampradaya (Special 18-step protocol)
- Sanskrit name
- शबरिमला श्री धर्मशास्ता मन्दिरम्
- Also known as
- Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
Darshan hours
- Daily
- Seasonal (Open 03:00-13:00, 15:00-23:30)
- Break timings
- 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM
- Special days
- Open 24 hours on Makaravilakku day
- Festival timings
- Extended hours during peak seasons
Aarti & rituals
- Morning aarti
- 03:30
- Midday aarti
- 13:00
- Evening aarti
- 18:30
- Night aarti
- 23:00
- Special aarti days
- Makaravilakku, Vishu
- Ritual schedule
- Strict adherence to the 'Padi Pooja' and 'Udayastamana Pooja'.
- Pooja timings
- Constant rituals throughout the opening hours
- Abhishek timings
- Neyyabhishekam (Ghee pouring) is the most vital ritual.
- Special poojas
- Neyyabhishekam, Padi Pooja, Udayastamana Pooja
- Online pooja booking
- No
History & heritage
- Historical period
- Ancient
- Built by
- Associated with the Pandalam Royal Family
- Architect / builder
- Legendarily Vishwakarma; current structure rebuilt after 1950.
- Construction materials
- Granite, Wood, Copper, Gold plating on Sreekovil and 18 steps.
- Historical events
- The 1950 arson and subsequent reconstruction of the temple.
- Renovations
- Modernization of the 'Pathinettampadi' (18 steps) with gold plating.
- Archaeological importance
- Unique 18-step structure symbolizing various spiritual elements.
- Legends
- Lord Ayyappa defeated the demoness Mahishi and meditated here.
Architecture
- Architectural style
- Dravidian
- Architectural period
- Modern reconstruction (Post-1950)
- Structure
- Hilltop shrine with a golden roofed sanctum.
- Floors
- 1
- Gopuram
- No traditional Gopuram; focus is on the Pathinettampadi.
- Mandapa
- Large concrete 'Valiya Nadappanthal' for crowd management.
- Sculptural features
- Iconic gold-plated 18 steps.
- Artistic elements
- Decorative brass and gold work on the Sreekovil.
- Construction technique
- Modern reinforced concrete combined with traditional timber and stone.
- Unique features
- Famous for the "Irumudi Kettu" (Two-compartment bag) required to climb the 18 steps.
Festivals & events
Mandala PoojaMakaravilakku
- Festival calendar
- November 15 - January 15
- Special celebration days
- Makara Jyothi day (January 14/15)
- Cultural events
- Harivarasanam recital every night
- Annual events
- Annual Utsavam in Meenam month
- Peak crowd season
- November, December, January
Visitor information
- ✓ Parking
- ✓ Restrooms
- ✓ Drinking water
- ✓ Shoe keeping
- ✓ Prasadam counter
- ✓ Annadanam
- Entry fee
- Free
- Dress code
- Traditional
- Best time to visit
- Monthly opening days (less crowd than Mandala season)
- Parking capacity
- 10,000+ vehicles
- Parking fees
- Paid
- Donation counters
- Yes
- Donation methods
- Cash, UPI, Online
- Prasadam
- Aravana Payasam, Unniyappam