Temples in Sabarimala are considered to be an epitome of religious harmony. Kerela itself is referred as God's Own Country. Within this state Sabarimala is one of the most interesting pilgrimage sites around.The temple of Lord Ayyappa or Dharma Sastha on the Sabari hills on Western Ghats attracts numerous devotees.
According to Puranas, Lord Vishnu once appeared as Mohini and Shiva succumbed to her beauty. Since Ayyappa was born of their union, He is known as Harihara Putra. His other name is Manikantan as he had a golden bell round his neck when he was found by the King of Pandalam on the banks of Pampa. This divine boy is said to have vanquished demon Mahishi on the Sabari hills.
Moreover Parasurama had installed five Devi deities along the seashore and five Sastha images along the hilly tracts. Sastha is depicted in different stages of life in these five temples. At Kulathupuzha, He is represented as a child, at Ariyankavu as a Brahmachari, at Achancoil as a Grihastha with His consorts Poorna and Pushkala, at Sabarimala as Vanaprastha and at Ponnambalamedu or Kantamalai, as yogi.
The main pilgrimage takes place during Vishu (April), Mandala Puja (December) and Makara Sankranti (January). Pilgrims trekking long distances reach the shrine after negotiating Karimala and Neelimala. Vehicles can go up to the banks of Pampa River. From here it is a 5 km trek to reach the hill shrine.
On the evening of Makar Sankranti pilgrims witness a magnificent flash of a light known as Makara Vilakku or Jyoti on the eastern side, called Ponnambalamedu. The shrine is kept open during the first 10 days of every Malayalam month.
Pandalam Sastha Temple is 15 km from Pathanamthitta district. The Thiruvabharanam of the Lord is kept here and is ceremonially taken to the hill shrine for Makara Sankranti festival.
Vaikom: It is located 40 kilometers away from Sabarimala. This well-known Shiva shrine, situated near the Vembanad Lake, is dedicated to Sri Vaikathappan, the benign form of the lord. Legends have it that Khara, an asura, had installed Lingams at Vaikom, Ettumanoor and Kaduthuruthi. It is customary to worship at all the 3 Shiva shrines on the same day.
As Vyagrapada worshipped the Lingam at Vaikom it was earlier known as Vyagrapadapuram. Sage Parasurama is said to have consecrated the Lingam and established puja rites for the shrine.
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