Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple is located in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is open to all faiths. In spite of being most remote shrine it attracts 4 millinon devotees round the year.

It is believed to be the place where Ayyappan meditated. It is believed that “Parasurama Maharshi” who retrieved Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa.

The period of pilgrimage begins in the month of November and ends in January. The temple gets pilgrim from all over the the country and also from abroad. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).

The temple is open to males of all age groups and to women who have either passed their fertility age and those before reaching the stage of puberty. Certain customs are to be strictly observed if one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. Unlike certain Hindu temples, Sabarimala temple has no restrictions of caste or creed. A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should abstain himself from non vegetarian food and carnal pleasures. Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and each carry a cloth bundle called Irumudi kettu containing traditional offerings. The easiest route is via Chalakkayam, by which one can reach the banks of the river Pamba by vehicle. Pamba is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. From here one has to trek 4 to 5 kms to reach the temple.

HOW TO REACH:

By Rail:
The pilgrims can reach Kottayam & Chengannur by Railway (Broad gauage) and Punalur (Metre Gauage) and from there by bus to Pampa.

Nearest Railway Stations
Kottayam  0481- 2563535
Chengannur – 0479- 2452340
Pamba Railway Enquiry Counter – 04735- 203605

By Air:
The pilgrims can reach Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi & Nedumbassery by Air and from there reach Pampa by bus/car.

By Road:
KSRTC has started operating buses to Coimbatore, Palani and Thenkashi from Pampa for the convenience of the Sabarimala pilgrims. Besides, the Government of Tamil Nadu & Karnataka has been given the permission to operate buses to Pampa. A chain service exists between Pampa and Nilackal base camp.

Distance
From	To	Distance
Erumeli	Pampa	56 Kms.
Kottayam	Erumeli	72 Kms
Kottayam	Pampa	128 Kms.
Chengannoor	Pampa	93 Kms.
Thiruvalla	Pampa	99 kms
Ernakulam	Pampa (via) Kottayam	200 Kms.
Alleppy	Pampa (via) A.C. Road	137 Kms.
Punalur	Pampa	105 Kms.
Pathanamthitta	Pampa	69 Kms.
Pandalam	Pampa	84 kms.
Thiruvananthapuram	Pampa	175 Kms.
Ernakulam	Erumeli (via) Palai, Ponkunnam	175 Kms.