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SARANAMA AYYAPA OM SRI SWAMIYE SARANAMA AYYAPA details about sabarimala yatra

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Sabarimala

Sabarimala (0929 North 7706 East) is situated in the midst of 18 hills, in a bowl of land blessed with a small rivulet named `Urakuzhi Theertham'. The area is in the hilly regions east of Kerala bordering Tamilnadu. Elevation above mean sea level is approximately 1260 Metres/4135 Ft. Temples existed in each of the hills surrounding Sabarimala. While functional (and intact temples) exist at many places in surrounding areas like Nilackal, Kalaketi, Inchiparakotta and Karimala, remnants of old temples are visible in the remaining hills.

From the international airport of Thiruvanathapuram (erstwhile Trivandrum), Sabarimala is located at 010 degrees/115 Kms. Similarly, from the international airport at Kochi (erstwhile Cochin) it is located at 118 degrees/106 Kms. These distances are `direct air distances or distances `as the crow flies'.

The pilgrimage to Sabarimala is a singular example of a pilgrimage where pilgrims, without consideration of caste, creed, position or social status, go with one mind and one `mantra' dreaming constantly of the darshan of the presiding deity a the Holy Sannidhanam.

Travel Information and Routes to Sabarimala

Many pilgrims contact the Web Master asking for instructions on what all temples should be visited enroute to Sabarimala. There is no such mandated ritual. If you want to visit any temple enroute, please go ahead. Nevertheless, here are some famous temples on the pilgrimage route:

Guruvayoor Kshetram - It is believed that Bruhaspathi (Guru of the Devas) and Vayu Bhagwan (God of the Air) together had installed the idol at this temple. It is also believed that the idol is the same one which was earlier installed at 'Vaikuntam' by Maha Vishnu. The temple normally opens at 0300 hrs every morning. It remains open till the 'Ucha Pooja' is over and re-opens every evening at 1630 hrs to close for the night at 21215 hrs.

Mammiyur Kshetram - It is located half a km from Guruvayoor. Sivan, along with his consort Parvati is the idol. It is believed that for your wishes to come true while praying at Guruvayoor, you should also pray at Mammiyur Kshetram.

Chowvallur Siva Kshetram - The temple is located three kms from Guruvayoor, on top of a hill at Chowvallur village. Sivan, along with his consort Parvati is the idol.

Thiruvenkatachalapathy Kshetram - The temple is located east of Guruvayoor railway station amidst village aurroundings.

Thrissur Vadakum Natha Kshetram - This temple was built by Shaktan Thampuran. 'Ilanjithara Melam, which is a significant ritual of 'Thrissur Pooram' festival, is held at the courtyard of this temple. During the Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu pooram, 'thekkotu erakkum' and 'Kudamattam' is held here. 'Theyyatm' is the traditional vazhipadu. The tempe opens at 0400 hrs. It closes at 1100 hrs and re-opens at 1700 hrs. It closes for the day at 2000 hrs.

Thirvullakukavu Dharam Sastha Kshetram- The temple is located about 11 kms along the Thrissur - Irikalkuda route. 'Vidyarambham' is conducted on all days except during ' Mahanavami' and 'Meenom Attham' days.

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Aarattupuzha Sastha Kshetram- 15 Kms n the Thrissur - Kodungaloor route is the busstop called 'Thevar road'. From there the temple is located about 2 kms to the east. Ada, Nivedyam, Kadumpayasam, Kedavilakku etc are the famous offerings.

Thripayar Sri Rama Swamy Kshetram - The idol which got trapped in some fisherman's net and was brought up. As tper the rituals as mandated by 'jyothisham', this idol at this temple was installed by Naduvazhi Vaikkal Kaimal . Eakdasi during the month of December and , 'Makyiram Purappadu' just prior to Aarattupuzha Pooram are important events for the temple. Fish feed/meal, Niramala, Vedi Vazhipadu and Aval are the important offerings to the deity.

Chottanikara Kshetram - From Kochi via Tripunithara, the temple is located about 15 Kms. Kochi - Tripunithara is 11 kms. From Nirmalayam till ucha pooja the deity is worshipped as 'Saraswati Devi. After that the worship is for 'Saraswati Devi', Mahalakshmi and Durga. The important occasions are Trikarthika, Kubhom Makam, Vishu Vilakku, Navarathri and Mandala Makaravilakku. The temple is open from 0400 hrs to 1210 hrs. It is again open from 1600 to 2139 hrs. Further details can be viewed at http://www.templenet.com/Kerala/chotranik.html

Vaikkom Mahadeva Kshetram - This is an important temple on the pilgrimage route. 'Mahadeva' bears a relationship of 'pithru' to Ayyappa. The Asthami period which falls every year during November-Decemebr is the important period for this temple. Opening hours are 9399 to 1200 hrs and 1700 to 2000 hrs.

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Kshetram- This is a famous 'edathavalam' of Sannidhanam. The arrival of the 'ezhara ponnana' is of great importance. Temle hours 0300-1200 hrs and 1700 - 220 hrs. Famous offerings are Muzhukappu, Mrthunjayana homam, Ksheera dhara and rudrabhishekham.

Kottayam Thirunakkara Kshetram - Temple hours 0400 - 1100 hrs and 1700 - 2000 hrs. Mahaganapati homam, dhara, muzhukappu, and paysam are important offerings.

Please Note`Thiruvananthapuram' is the new name for the capital of Kerala State in South India. The old name was the anglicised version `Trivandrum'. Similarly `Cochin' is now 'Kochi', `Alleppey' is `Alapuzha', `Calicut' is `Kozhikode', `Trichur' is `Thrissur'.

An Approximate Terrain Profile of the Trek from Erumeli to Pampa

Distance Chart : Erumeli - Pampa

Pampa to Sabarimala (Sannidhanam)

Nearest Airports

Nearby Towns

Nearest Railheads

Means of Conveyance

Routes to Travel

Approximate Road Distances

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Kerala State Road Transport Corporation Bus Schedule to and from Pampa

Train Services from Chenganur - Northwards and Southwards

Approximate profile of the terrain - Erumeli to Pampa (Not to Scale)

1. Erumeli 2. Peroor Thodu 3. Irumboonni Kara 4. Arasumudi Kotta

5. Kaalaketi 6. Azhutha 7. Azhutha Nadi 8. Kallidum Kunnu

9. Inchipara Kota 10. Mukkuzhi 11. Kariyilam Thodu 12. Karimala

13. Valiana Vattom 14. Cheriana Vattom 15. Pampa Nadi

Distance Chart : Erumeli - Pampa

Erumeli - Kaalaketti - 11Kms

Kaalaketti - Azhutha - 2.5 Kms approx

Azhutha River - Pampa - 37 Kms approx

Peroor Thodu - Irumboonikara - 3 Kms (Forest starts from Irumbooni Kara)

Irumboonikara - Arasumdi Kotta - 3 Kms approx

Pampa to Sabarimala (Sannidhanam)

Pampa - Neelimala - Appachimedu - Sabaripeedom - Sannidhanam (Approx 7 Kms)

Three steep ascents are Azhutha Nadi to Inchiparakotta, Kariyilam Thodu to Karimala (on Erumeli - Pampa route) and Pampa - Neelimala (on the 7 Kms stretch from Pampa to Sannidhanam).

It is possible that some pilgrims may have some ailment which has not been detected so far. This is especially so in the case of middle aged and elderly pilgrims. This could lead to severe problems during the ascent up the steep slopes. As a precaution against undue cardiac stress (especially in the case of elderly pilgrims), it is advisable to rest frequently while negotiating steep slopes. In case of any chest pain, breathlessness, discomfort etc, please contact the nearest Cardiac Care Centres which have been established by ABASS.

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In the month of December 2000, a top class Cardiac Care Centre has been inaugurated at the Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangham auditorium by the Apollo Hospital Group. The centre is manned by 10 fully qualified doctors and 7 assistants. We are thankful to Apollo Hospital and Healthcare group for this humanitarian gesture.

The Appachimedu Cardiac Care Centre continues to be operated by ABASS.

Nearest Airports

Thiruvananthapuram (aka Trivandrum) is located at

0809 N 7655 E

Kochi( aka Cochin) is located at 095638N 761623E. Please note that the airport is not the old Naval Airport (Old Naval Airport is no more available for civilian operations). The new international airport is at Nedumbassery which is nearly 30 kms away from the city.

Kozhikode(aka Calicut) is located at 1108 N 7557 E

Air India, Indian Airlines, Alliance Air, Jet Airways, Sahara Airlines, Air India, Air Lanka, Gulf Air, Silk Air and many leading foreign airlines operate to/from these airports.

Nearby Towns

Pampa is the closest `base camp'. But it tends to get overcrowded (during prime seasons) and has inherent shortage of built up living accommodation. The other nearby towns are:-

ChanganacherryChengannurErumeli KochiKottayamMavelikaraPathanamthittaRanniVaikom

Nearest Railheads

A large number of trains operate along Kochi - Alapuzha - Kollam route and Kochi - Kottayam - Kollam - Thiruvananthapuram route. These trains pass through or close to most of the towns mentioned above and one could disembark at any of these railway stations. During pilgrimage seasons, ABASS camps are established at most of these railway stations. Please approach them for guidance on further travel.

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As the train schedules keep changing on a seasonal basis, it is essential to check with the railway authorities to find out the exact timings. Alternately, you can visithttp://www.southernrailway.org/ to search and book your tickets.

Means of Conveyance

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation operates regular bus services, from all important towns of Kerala to Pampa and Erumeli throughout the year. The number of trips are well augmented during the pilgrim season. Private taxis, utility vehicles and mini buses are also available for hire from any point en-route.

Routes to Travel

Typical Routes followed by pilgrims

Pampa

Kottayam - Pampa (via Erumeli) - 136 KmsKottayam- Pampa (via Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta) - 123 KmsKottayam - Pmapa (via Manimala) - 116 KmsTrivandrum - Pampa (via Kottarakara, Adoor, Pathanamthitta) - 188 KmsTrivandrum - Pampa (via Punalur, Pathanamthitta)- 180 KmsAdoor - Pampa (via Pathanamthitta) - 101 KmsPunalur - Pampa (via Pathanamthitta) - 101 KmsChengannur - Pampa - 93 KmsErnakulam - Pampa(via Kottayam) - 200 KmsAlapuzha - Pampa (via Changanacherry) - 137 KmsPandalam - Pampa (via Pathanamthitta) - 86 KmsUppupara - Sabarimala (trekking route only) - 4 Kms

Erumeli

Erumeli - Pampa (via Kalaketty, Azhutha, Karimala) - by foot - 40 KmsErumeli - Pampa (via Mukkottuthara, Pambavali) - 46 KmsErumeli - Pampa (via Athikkayam, Perunandu) - 78 KmsPathanamthitta - Erumeli (via Ranni) - 32 KmsPanadalam - Erumeli (via Pathanamthitta) - 48 Kms

From Erumeli, the pilgrim can, if he so wishes , trek on foot along the forests to reach Pampa. The trekking distance from Erumeli to Pampa is 43 Kms. The route is via Peroorthodu, Irumbunnikara, Arasumudikotta, Kaalaketti, Azhutha, Azhutha River, Kallidum Kunnu, Inchipara, Mukkuzhi, Kariyilam Thodu, Karimala, Valiyana Thavalam, Cheriyana Thavalam, Pampa.

The route from Pampa to Sabarimala (approx 6 kms) can be undertaken only on foot. as this portion of the route is unfit for vehicular traffic. The various road routes available to Pampa are:-

Erumeli - Karimkulumoozhi - Ranni - Perinad - Vadaserikara - Plapalli- Chalakayam - Pampa.Erumeli - Karimkulumoozhi - Muktuthara - Kanamala - Thulapalli - Plapalli - Chalakayam - Pampa (This route is not commonly used by pilgrims because it is narrow and winding)

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Another route sometimes followed by pilgrims coming from Tamilnadu is via Kottayam - Kumali (KK) road. When they reach Vanchiperiyar on the KK Road, they turn to Uppupara. After reaching Uppupara, they have to walk 6 Kms to Sabarimala.

Approximate Road Distances

From To Via Kms

Erumeli Kottayam 56

Erumeli Kumuli 70

Erumeli Pampa Ranni - Vadaseriakra 119

Erumeli Pampa Kanamala 56

Erumeli Pampa Athikayam - Perinad 64

Erumeli Pampa Chethonkara - Athikayam 69

Erumeli Pampa Direct 56

Erumeli Thiruvananthapuram 146

Pampa Chengannur via Aranmula 93

Pampa Kochi Manimala - Kottayam 200

Pampa Kottayam Ranni Blockpadi - Kozhencherry 119

Pampa Kottayam Manimala - Kodungur 105

Pampa Kottayam Athikayam - Manimala 103

Pampa Kottayam Plappaly -Erumeli -Ponkunnanm

Pampa Kottayam Direct 128

Pampa Kumuli Erumeli -Vandiperiyari 180

Pampa Pandalam Vadaserikara - Pathanamthitta 84

Pampa Pathanamthitta 69

Pampa Punalur 105

Pampa Shenkottah Pathanamthitta - Punalur 170

Pampa Thiruvananthapuram Pathanamthitta - Adoor 175

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Pampa Thiruvalla Direct 99

Pampa Vandiperiyar Mount Sathram 8

Sabarimala Kochi 210

Sabarimala Kottarakara 111

Sabarimala Kottayam 134

Sabarimala Kozhikode 415

Sabarimala Palakkad 352

Sabarimala Pandalam 96

Sabarimala Pathanamthitta 67

Sabarimala Mount Sathram (By Foot) 12

Sabarimala Thiruvananthapuram 235

Mount Sathram Kumuli 8

Thiruvananthapuram Kochi 222

Thiruvananthapuram Kottarakara 74

Thiruvananthapuram Kottayam 160

Thiruvananthapuram Pandalam 105

Thiruvananthapuram Pathanamthitta 168

Kochi Kozhikode 224

Kumuli Vandiperiyar 20

Approximate Bus Fares

From To Via Fast Passenger Super Fast

Pampa Trivandrum Punalur Rs 104 Rs 110

Pampa Trivandrum Adoor Rs 103 Rs 108

Pampa Coimbatore Rs 203

Pampa Palani Rs 130 Rs 142

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Pampa Erumeli Rs 35 Rs 38

Pampa Kottayam Pathanamthitta Rs 74 Rs 78

Pampa Pathanamthitta Rs 44 Rs 46

Pampa Guruvayur Rs 164 Rs 172

Pampa Kottarakara Rs 65 Rs 68

Pampa Ernakulam Kottayam Rs 63 Rs 66

Pampa Kottayam Pathanamthitta Rs 114 Rs 120

Pampa Alapuzha Rs 81 Rs 86

Pampa Chengannur Rs 58 Rs 62

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation Bus Schedule - Permanent Services From Pampa irrespective of pilgrimage season

Frequency From To Via Departure

Daily Pampa Pandalam Pathanamthitta 07:00

Daily Pampa Kottayam Erumeli 09:00

Daily Pampa Ernakulam Vaikkom 11:55

Daily Pampa Thiruvananthapuram Kottarakara 12:30

Daily Pampa Thiruvananthapuram Punalur 14:00

Daily Pampa Pathanamthitta Punalur 05:30

Daily Pampa Erumeli Mukootuthara 06:00

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation additional Services from Pampa during the period 1st to 5th of each Malayalam calendar month (When the temple is open)

Frequency From To ViaDeparture(Subject to

revision)

Daily Pampa Kottayam Thiruvalla 08:00

Daily Pampa Ernakulam Alapuzha 09:00

Daily Pampa Kottayam Thiruvalla 11:00

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Daily Pampa Punalur Pathanamthitta 09:00

Daily Pampa Kalikkavalli Kottarakara 09:00

Daily Pampa Guruvayoor Pampa - Guruvayoor 10:00

Daily Pampa Guruvayoor Pampa - Guruvayoor 15:30

Daily Pampa Pathnamthitta Pampa - Pathanamthitta 10:45

Daily Pampa Chengannur Pampa - Chengannur 16:00

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation bus services to Pampa from other bus stations

Frequency From To Bus Route Departure

Daily Pathanamthitta Pampa Vaikkom - Pampa 9:15

Daily Pathanamthitta Pampa Kottarakara - Pampa 10:00

Daily Pathanamthitta Pampa Thiruvananthapuram - Pampa 11:15

Daily Pathanamthitta Pampa Pathanamthitta - Pampa 14:00

Daily Pathanamthitta Pampa Pandalam - Pampa 18:30

Frequency From To Bus Route Departure

Daily Erumeli Pampa Erumeli - Pampa 07:00

Daily Erumeli Pampa Kottayam - Pampa 15:30

Frequency From To Bus Route Departure

Daily Kottayam Pampa Vaikkom - Pampa 07:45

Daily Kottayam Pampa Kottayam - Erumeli - Pampa 13:30

Frequency From To Bus Route Departure

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Daily Vaikkom Pampa Vaikkom - Pampa 06:30

Daily Thiruvanathapuram Pampa Thiruvanathapuram - Pampa 08:00

Daily Kottarakara Pampa Kottarakara - Pampa 08:45

Daily Pandalam Pampa Pandalam - Pampa 18:00

Bus Charges from Pampa

To ViaFast Passenger

RsSuperfast Passenger

Rs

Trivandrum Punalur 104.00 110.00

Trivandrum Adoor 103.00 108,00

Coimbatore 203.00

Palani 130.00 142.00

Erumeli 35.00 38.00

Kottayam Pathanamthitta 74.00 78.00

Pathanamthitta 44.00 46.00

Guruvayoor 164.00 174.00

Kottarakara 65.00 68.00

Ernakulam Kottayam 63.00 65.00

Ernakulam Pathanamthitta 114.0 120.00

Alapuzha 81.00 86.00

Chengannur 58.00 62.00

Train Services from Chenganur - Northwards and Southwards

Nearest railway stations - Kottayma (+91-481-2563635), Chengannur (+91-479-2452340).Pampa Railway Counter - +91-4735-203605

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Train Services from Chengannur - Towards North

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Train No Name Days Timing

6343 Trivandrum - Palakkad Amrutha Express 0110 Hrs

352 Kollam - Ernakulam Passenger 0542

6328 Trivandrum - Korba Express Monday, Thurs 0635

6302 Trivandrum - Shornur Venad Express 0725

6349 Trivandrum - Mangalapuram Parsuram Express 0845

7229 Trivandrum - Hyderabad Sabari Express 0920

354 Kollam - Kottayam Passenger 0940

1082 Kanyakumari - Mumbai Jayanthi Janata Express 1034

2625 Trivandrum - New Delhi Kerala Superfast Express 1315

2615 Trivadnrum - Guwahati Express Sunday 1440

6525 Kanyakumari - Bangalore Island Express 1522

2624 Trivandrum - Chennai Superfast Express 1637

6312 Trivandrum - Jodhpur Express Saturday 1715

6334 Trivandrum - Veraval Express Monday 1715

6336 Nagarcoil - Gandhidham Express Tuesday 1715

6317 Kanyakumari - Jammu Tawi Himsagar Express Friday 1810

2996 Trivandrum - Chennai Superfast express 1940

344 Kayamkulam - Ernakulam Passenger 1600

6359 Nagarcoil - Howrah Gurudev Express Sunday 1810

364 Trivandrum - Kottayam Passenger 1831

6304 Trivandrum - Ernakulam Vanchinad Express 2000

6329 Trivandrum - Mangalapuram Malabar Express 2115

6347 Trivandrum - Mangalapuram express 2315

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Train Services from Chengannur - Towards South6335 Gandhidham - Nagarcoil Express Sunday 0035

6311 Jodhpur - Trivandrum Express Friday 0035

6333 Veraval - Trivandrum Express Saturday 0035

2516 Guwahati - Trivandrum Express Saturday 2100

6348 Mangalapuram - Trivandrum Express 0155

6344 Palakkad - Trivandrum Amrutha Express 0345

6330 Mangalapuram - Trivandrum Malabar Express 0540

351 Kottayam - Kollam Passenger 0625

1081 Mumbai - Kanyakumari Jayanthi Janatha Express 0650

6303 Ernakulam - Trivandrum Vanchinad Express 0750

2623 Chennai - Trivadnrum Superfast Express 0850

6516 Bangalore - Kanyakumari Island Express 1110

2626 New Delhi - Trivandrum Superfast Express 1146

343 Ernakulam - Kayamkulam Passenger 1330

7230 Hyderabad - Trivandrum Sabari Express 1555

6350 Mangalapuram - Trivandrum Parusram Express 1535

6327 Korba - Trivandrum Express Monday, Friday 1500

353 Kottayam - Kollam Passenger 1835

6301 Shornur - Trivandrum Venad Express 0715

6318 Jammu Tawi - Kanyakumari Himsagar Express Thursday 1655

2660 Howrah - Nagarcoil Gurudev Express Friday 1735

355 Ernakulam - Kollam Passenger 2040

If any inadvertent error has crept in, please inform the Web Master

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Accommodation Availability

ABASS has limited accommodation available at Sannidhanam. It can be made use of on an 'as available basis'. Please note that this is not 'hotel' type of accommodation. The number of rooms/dormitories is extremely limited. It is meant to afford a place to recuperate one's breath and refresh oneself for a few hours before moving on. There is no possibility of being able to arrange accommodation for large groups of pilgrims for a full day especially during peak pilgrimage period (Plus/Minus 7 days of Mandala Pooja/Makara Vilakku).The idea is to make this facility available to as many as possible in spite of the heavy demand.

As of now, some rooms are under maintenance and renovation. Hence we are unable to book accommodation in advance. Who so ever physically presents himself will be given accommodation subject to availability.

If you need confirmed accommodation, kindly book rooms through Travancore Devaswom Board through their sources. We do not relay such requests to them. Should we get such reuqests, they will be ignnored.

You may ring the ABASS Sannidhanam Camp Officer at 0473-5202043 to enquire if accommodation is available.

Accommodation Availability at Sabarimala (under the control of Devaswom Board)

(For booking of accommodation, which falls under the control of the Devaswom Board, do not send FAX to FAX number of ABASS. Such FAX messages will be discarded without being actioned)

Building No of Rooms (in Rs) per day

Maramoth Complex 22 225 to 450

Donor House 1 24 250

Donor House 2 16 150

Donor House 3 24 250

Donor House 4 24 250

Donor House 5 19 400 to 750

Hall 2 600

Forest IB 6 300

Pilgrim Centre 1 103 150

Pilgrim Centre 2 115 250

GKD Charity Trust Hall 2 700

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Poorna Pushkala Hall 1 450

Cottages (5) 51 600 to 1000

Malikapuram Building 16 150

Hall 1 300

Sabari Nivas Guest House 64 375 to 700

Guest House Room - for three persons 450

Guest House Room - for four persons 700

Guest House Room - for five persons 825

Dormitory at Pampa 50 per head

KSEB IB 3 200

Note:-

Phone numbers are available on the `Contact Details' page.

Additional persons, in cases where room capacity is mentioned, will be charged @ Rs 50 per person.

11 rooms in Sabarinivas are kept reserved for VIPs.

For advanced booking contact The Secretary, Travancore Devasom Board, Nanthancode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India 695003 (Phone +91-471-2316963/2317983) (Sabarimala Phone Nos are +91-473-592026/592028)

or

The Accommodation Officer, Maramoth Complex, Sabarimala, Kerala

or

The Accommodation Officer. Sabarimala, Pathnamthitta Dist, Kerala (Phone: +91 4735 202049)

Forest Department Inspection Bungalow:-

There are 6 rooms @ Rs 300 per day. Pilgrims can also book rooms in advance.(Sannidhanam Forest IB Phone:0473-592074/592075).

Contact: Field Director, Project Tiger, Kottayam, Kerala (Phone 0481-565940)

They also have an IB and a dormitory at Pampa. IB has 3 rooms @Rs 300 per day. Accommodation is available in the dormitory for Rs 50 per person.

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Kerala State Electricity Board Inspection Bungalow:-

There are 3 rooms @ Rs 20 per person. One hall is available @ Rs 10 per person. (Contact: Board Secretary, Vaidyuthi Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, Phone:0471-2448989

Sabarimala Temple - Opening and Closing DatesDates of Opening and closing of Sabarimala Temple during the year 2009-2010-2011

(Updated on 08 Nov 09)

Name of Festivals Opening (English) Opening (Malayalam)

TimeHrs

Closing (English)

Closing (Malayalam)TimeHrs

Mandala Pooja Begins

16 Nov 10 30 Thulam 11861730

27 Dec 10 12 Dhanu 1186 2200

Temple re-opens for Makaravilakku

30 Dec 10 15 Dhanu 11861730

Makaravilakku Festival Day

14 Jan 11 30 Dhanu 1186

Temple closes 20 Jan 11 06 Makaram 1186

0700 hrs, after the visit of Pandalam representatives.

Monthly Pooja - Kumbham

Temple opening 12 Feb 11 29 Makaram 11861700

Temple closing 17 Feb 11 05 Kumbam 1186 2200

Ulasavam

Temple opening 09 Mar 11 25 Kumbham 11861700

19 Mar 11 08 Meenam 1186 2200

Kodiyettam 10 Mar 11

Montlhy Pooja - Meenam

Temple opening 14 Mar 11 30 Kumbham 1186

Painkuni Utram and Arattu

19 Mar 11 05 Meenam 1186 19 Mar 11 05 Meenam 1186 2200

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Meda Vishu Festival

Meda Vishu Festival 10 Apr 11 27 Meenam 11861700

Vishu Darshanam 15 Apr 11 01 Medam 1186

Temple Closes 18 Apr 11 05 Medam 1186 2200

Monthly Pooja - EdavamMonthly Pooja opens

14 May 11 31 Medam 11861700

Temple closes 19 May 11 05 Edavom 1186 2200

Pratishta Day

Monthly Pooja 10 Jun 11 27 Edavom 11861700

Temple closes 11 Jun 11 28 Edavom 1186 2200

Monthly Pooja - Mithunam

Temple opens 15 Jun 11 32 Edavom 11861700

Temple closes 20 Jun 11 05 Mithunam1186 2200

Monthly Pooja - Karkadakam

Temple opens 16 Jul 11 31 Mithunam 11861700

Temple closes 21 Jul 11 05 Karkidakom 1186 2200

Niraputhari Dates yet to be received from Travancore Palace

Monthly Pooja - Chingam

Temple opens 16 Aug 1131 Karkidakom 1186

1700

21 Aug 11 05 Chingom 1187 2200

Onam Pooja

Onam Pooja 07 Sep 11 22 Chingom 1187

Temple closes 11 Sep 11 26 Chingom 1187 2200

Monthly Pooja - Kanni

Temple opens 16 Sep 11 31 Chingom 11871700

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Temple closes 21 Sep 11 05 Kanni 1187 2200

Monthly Pooja -Thulam

Temple opens 17 Oct 11 31 Kanni 11871700

Temple closes 22 Oct 11 05 Thulam 1187 2200

Sree Chithira Atta Thirunal Pooja

Temple Opens 25 Oct 11 08 Thulam 11871700

Temple Closes 26 Oct 11 09 Thulam 1187 2200

Mandala Pooja Maholsavam

Temple Opens 16 Nov 11 30 Thulam 11871700

Mandala Pooja 27 Dec 11 11 Dhanu 1187

Temple Closes 27 Dec 11 11 Dhanu 1187 2200

Makaravilakku FestivalTemple opens 30 Dec 11 14 Dhanu 1187

Next Makaravilakku Day

15 Jan 2012

Ghee Abhishekham - During Mandala Pooja Festival

Due to large crowds of pilgrims, these timings are subject to changes depending on the convenience of the temple authorities

Morning - From 0400 Hrs till 1130 hrs. Closes at 1300 hrs.Evening - From 1730 hrs. Last time for Neyyabhishekam has not yet been ascertained.Harivarasanm at 2300 hrs.08 Nov 09

Earlier, the main temple Ulsavam was being held during December every year which is in the midst of the peak pilgrimage session. The Ulsavam rituals necessitated the temple being closed for various durations thus preventing an opportunity for a `darshan' for many pilgrims.

Hence, commencing from the year 2006, it has been decided to hold the Ulsavam during the period 2nd April to 16th April every year.

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Some of the events that take place during the main festival in April(Exact dates and times for these events will be ascertained later)

Prior to the Utsavam, Shudhi Kriyas consisting of Prasada Shudhi, Vaastu Bali, Vaastu Punyaham, Mulayidil will be performed.

Bimba Shudhi Kriyas consisting of Chathu Shudhi, Dhara, Panchakam, Panchagavyam and 25 Kalasam will be performed.

Kodiyettam (Temple Flag Hoisting) will be conducted during Makara Rasi. On Kodiyettam day, no Neyyabhishekham will be performed from 0700 hrs. It will re-commence after Kodiyettam.

Sribhutha Bali will be performed. Utsava Bali will be performed. The Lord will be taken to special mandapam for the Utsava

Bali. The ceremonies will commence at about 1300 hrs and will be over by about 1600 hrs. Utsava Bali darshan will be from 1400 hrs. On these days.

Palli Vetta will be undertaken. Villkku Ezhunallipu. Arattu to Pampa. As the Siveli Vigraham will be away at Pampa on the Aarattu day from morning till evening,

temple darshan will not be possible till the Vigraham returns to the temple after the Aarattu.

Standard Schedule of Rituals at Sabarimala Temple

During Makaravilakku season, the temple opening is at 0300 hrs and closing at 2300 hrs. So some of the pooja timings will shift up and down. Essentially, this is the trend of events.

Standard TimingsActual Timings during the

Mandala Pooja - Makaravilakku Season

Opens at 0400 hrs 0400 hrsNirmalya Darshanam 0405 hrs 0405 hrsNeyyabhishekam 0415 - 1100 hrs 0425 -1130 hrsMaha Ganapathi Homam 0420 hrs 0430 hrsUsha Pooja 0730 hrs 0730 hrsUcha (Noon) Pooja 1230 hrs 1300 hrsCloses at 1300 hrs 1330 hrsOpens at 1600 hrs 1600 hrsDeeparadhana 1830 hrs 1830 hrsPushpabhishekham 1900 hrs 1900 hrsAthaza Pooja 2230 hrs 2230 hrsHarivarasanam and Closing at 2250 to 2300 2250 to 2300 hrs

Notes from Ayyappa Seva Sangham:-

Pilgrims who have not undergone traditional `vrutham' are prohibited from carrying `Irumudi' or climbing the holy `Pathinettam Padi'. They should use the side entrance.

On the first day of any session, the temple opens at 1730 hrs.

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Singing of ``Harivarasnam' and closing of the Sanctum Sanctorum doors takes place at around 2230 hrs.

Devotees coming to Sabarimala on pilgrimage should be aware of the traditional religious practices, related to the temple, and should abide by these. Only pilgrims with Irumudi Kettu will be permitted to climb `Pathinettam Padi' (Holy Eighteen Steps). Women in the age group of 10 to 50 years will not be allowed `temple darshan' and they will not be permitted to go beyond Pampa. Police check post exists at Pampa to enforce this.

As per the orders of the Kerala High Court, in order to prevent environmental pollution, usage of carry bags made of plastic, polythene etc are strictly prohibited in Pampa area and all roads/paths to `Sannidhanam' and surroundings of `Sannidhanam'. Smoking is also strictly prohibited in the above areas. Production / carriage / distribution / consumption of alcoholic / narcotic substances are also strictly prohibited. Those found guilty would find themselves in serious trouble with the law enforcement/excise authorities.

All pilgrims are humbly requested to co-operate with Devaswom Board Authorities and Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangham authorities for the successful and orderly conduct of the festival as well as maintenance of the sanctity of the pilgrimage.

Pooja Information and Rates for Various Poojas (in Rupees)

The Gold covered doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum (Srikovil)

Information about Poojas

Nirmalyam - This pooja includes 'Asthabhishekham' using 'vibhuti', milk, honey, 'panchamrutham', water of tender coconut, sandal paste, water. 'Thrimadhuram' is then placed before the idol. After that 'Neyyabhishekham' is performed.

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Usha Pooja - Ground and squeezed 'payasam' is the offering to the idol. If 'Uadyasthamana' pooja is also scheduled for the day, fifteen poojas are conducted before 'Usha Pooja'. For all these fifteen poojas, the nivedyam is ground and squeezed 'payasam'.

Ucha Pooja - This pooja is conducted with twenty five 'kalasams'. 'Nivedyam' is 'Aravana and 'vella'.

Deeparadhna - 'Nivedyam' is 'vella'.

Athazha Poojka - 'Nivedyam' is 'appam', 'paanakam', and 'vella'.

Rates for Various Abhishekham/Poojas/Offerings

Sannidhanam (updated as on 22 Nov 07)

Rs

Padi Pooja (by prior booking) 30001:00 - (2019 next booking date).

Udayasthamana Pooja (by prior booking) 20,001:00 (2013 next booking date)

Ganapathi Homam 150:00

Usha Pooja 501:00

Ucha Pooja 2001:00

Nithya Pooja 2501:00

Asthothararchana 15:00

Muzhukkapu 301:00

Thulabharam 51:00

Laksharchana 3,000:00

Sahasra Kalasam 19,000:00

Kalabhabhishekham 2,000:00

Utsava Bali 5,001:00

Vibhooti Prasadam 07:00

Neyyabhishekham 05:00

Sahasranama Archana 15:00

Pushpabhishekham 1,500:00

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Appam (one Pkt of 7) 20:00

Aravana 50:00

Adiyashishtam Neyyu 25:00

Asthabhishekham 1,500:00

Thanga Angi Chartu 6001:00

Neerajanam 61:00

Ayyappa Chakram 50:00

Vella Nivedyam 5:00

Panchamrutham 5:00

Sarakara Payasam 7:00

Poojicha Mani 60:00

Swaranabharana Pooja 10:00

Ucha Pooja 2,001:00

Pampa Ganapathy Temple

Pushpabhishekham (Items to be provided by the devotee) 1001.00

Muzhukappu 301.00

Kettunira (Items by the temple) 160:00

Vidyarambham 101.00

Vadamala(For Hanuman) 65.00

Ganapathi Homam 61.00

Neeranjanam 61.00

Choroonu 61.00

Kettunira (Items to be provided by the devotee) 46.00

Archana 15.00

Aval 10.00

Modakam (Packet) 10:00

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Thiru Mittam Kettunira 10.00

Malikappuram TempleBhagavathi Seva 800.00

Navagruha Pooja 61:00

Swayamvara Pushpanjali 15:00

Sahasra Nama Archana 15:00

Ashtothararchana 15:00

Aval Nivedyam 10.00

Udayada Nadakku Vechu Charthu 07.00

Vella Anki Charthu 2501:00

Malikappuram Udaya Charthu 05:00

Malavadi Pooja 04.00

Navagruha Neyvilakku 03.00

Malar Nivedyam 03.00

Manjal - Kumkum Prasadam 03.00

Nilackkal Mahadeva KshetramGanapathi Homam 51:00

Jaladhara 15:00

Muzhukappu 86:00

Ara Kaapu 55:00

Aravana 30:00

Appam (A packet of eight) 20:00

Archana 10:00

Sahasranama Archana 15:00

Mala Pooja 10:00

Choroonu 25:00

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Mala Chathu 05:00

Vidyarambham 15:00

Parayidil 65:00

Pooja Veyppu 05:00

Pal Payasam (one quarter litre) 15:00

Payasam (one quarter litre) 20:00

Kavadi Nira 15:00

Kettu Nira 10:00

Bhasmam Charthu 37:50

Vella Nivedyam 08:00

Karuka Homam 24:00

Rudradishekham 09:00

Neerajanam 20:00

Mruthunjaya Pushpanjali 15:00

Namaskaram 15:00

Pushpanjali 15:00

Rates for rituals denoted by this colour has been revised by Travancore Devaswo Board. Info 'Indian Express' , Thiruvananthapuram dated 01 Nov 09

For Pushpabhishekham and Kalababhishekam rituals, the devotee's should bring the flowers and the sandalwood paste on their own or they should arrange these items through the Deaswom Store at Sabrimala.

Padi Pooja: Booking of Padi Pooja is done by depositing Rs 25,001 with Devaswom Board authorities. The availability of dates will have to ascertained from them. Usually, the dates for the next ten to fifteen years will not be available as they would have already been booked. The details of pooja items to be made available for Padi Pooja must be ascertained from the Thantri. Flowers, flower garlands, coconuts, camphor, sambrani, Kalasa Thuni, Silk strip to cover the `Patinettam Padi' are some of the important items that must be brought by the devotee. Clothes to be worn by Thantri, Mel Santhi, Parikarmikal, Mela Group etc have to be provided by the devotee. Appropriate 'dakshina' for these individuals who will be conducting the ceremony will also have to borne by the devotee.

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Udyashtmana Pooja: This pooja is booked by deposting Rs 15,0001 with the Devaswom Board. The availability of dates must be ascertained from Devaswom Board. There are 18 poojas during this ritual. It starts with Usha Pooja. Before Ucha Pooja, 17 poojas would have been completed. There will be 'deeparadhana' and 'nivedyam' for each of these poojas. For this, the temple doors have to be closed and opened repeatedly. This interferes with the flow of pilgrims during peak periods. Hence, this pooja is conducted only on certain pre-defined days when the crowd flow is expected to be comparatively less. Udayasthamana pooja concludes with 'atazha pooja'. Clothes to be worn by Thantri, Mel Santhi, Parikarmikal, Nivedyam preparation group etc have to be provided by the devotee. Appropriate 'dakshina' for these individuals will also have to borne by the devotee.

Sahasra Kalasam, Pushpabhishekham, Laksharchana, Kalababhishekam: These can be booked with advance notice of approximately one month. Booking charges for Sahasra Kalsam is Rs 5001 and the ritual is conducted over two days. Sahasra Kalasam pooja will be performed on the first night and the Sahasra Kalabhabhishekham will be performed on the afternoon of the second day. The items to be brought for these rituals can be obtained from the Thantri.

Booking charges for Laksharchana and Pushpabhishekam is Rs 501. List of items to be provided need to be obtained from the Thantri. Clothes to be worn by the Thantri, Mel Santhi etc have to be provided by the devotee along with appropriate 'dakshina'.

Please note: The charges mentioned above are for booking of pooja. The actual cost for performing the pooja may work out to a very much higher amount in some cases.

For eg...a simple Pushpabhishekam may involve a total outlay of nearly Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000. A Kalabhabhishekham may involve a total outlay of nearly Rs 10,000 to 15,000 (or more).

To book these poojas, the requisite amount has to be paid in advance. Demand Draft, payable at Thiruvananthapuram , is to be made out in favour of:-

The Executive Officer SabarimalaTravancore Devasom BoardNanthancodeThiruvananthapuramKerala 695001IndiaPhone : +91 471 2310319Phone (Sannidhanam): +91 4735 222026

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OM SRI SWAMIYE SARANAM AYYAPA