Friday, 03 January 2025

There are three routes to Sabarimala (0929 North 7706 East)

(a) The Erumeli route – the most arduous – the pilgrims cover about 61 km on foot through forest and hill track.

(b) The Vandiperiyar route – starts at 94.4 km stone on the Kottayam – Kumily road.

(c) The Chalakayam route. – the easiest of all. Chalakayam is near Pampa river. Sannidhanam is just 8 km from here.

From Tamil Nadu:

1. Shencottai – Punalur – Pathanamthitta –170 Kms.
2. Kumily – Vandiperiyar – Erumeli – Plappalli–180 Kms.

Description of Erumeli Route

The Erumeli route, used by Ayyappan himself during his forest expedition to kill Mahishi is described here.

1 Erumeli It is about 56 km from Kottayam. There are shrines for Lord Dharmasastha and Vavar Swamy (the Muslim lieutenant of Lord Ayyappa).
The first timers to Sabarimala, called Kanniswamy, perform pettatullal. Pettatullal is painting the face with colours and dancing with wooden weapons to make one look odd.
The essence of this practice is to give up ones’ ego and surrender to Lord Ayyappa. They go round the Ayyappan Temple and Vavar Shrine and later bathe in the river.
Then the temple is visited again to seek authorization from Lord Ayyappa to tread the sacred hill Sabari. Later the pilgrims leave Erumeli under the guidance of their Guru for Sannidhanam.
2 Perur Thodu It is a river about 4 km from Erumeli. Lord Ayyappa rested here during his expedition. It is from here the rise begins. Giving alms here is important. By giving alms, one is disposing of all dharma and seeking asylum in Ayyappa. The forest beyond Perur Thodu is poongavanam (Ayyappan’s garden).
3. Kaalaketi About 10 km from Perur Thodu is Kalaketti. The legend says that Lord Shiva, Ayyappa’s father, came on his ox and tied it here and witnessed Lord Ayyappa killing Mahishi. There is a shrine where the pilgrims light camphor and break coconuts.
4. Azhutha Azhutha river, a tributary of Pampa, is about 2 kms from Kalaketti. On the far side of the river is the steep Azhutha hill, famous for its arduous track. In the 2 km of steep ascent there is hardly anyone who does not shed tears. At the summit of Azhutha is Kallidumkunnu. The pilgrims drop the pebble taken by them from Azhutha river here. This is done as the mortal remains of Mahishi was cast off from here and filled with stones.
5. Azhutha River
6. Kallidumkunnu
7. Inchipparakota `The next important place is the Inchipparakota where there is Kotayil Sastha shrine. Pilgrims offer prayers here and break coconuts. From here the pilgrims descend the slippery path carefully. The descent ends at Karimala thodu (canal) with Azhutha hill on one side and Karimala hill on the other. Pilgrims rest here for a while.
8. Mukkuli
9. Kariyilam Thodu
10. Karimalai Karimala is the abode of elephants which visits the Karimala canal to drink water. Pilgrims light the aazhi (campfire) to protect themselves from wild animals and cold weather. Karimala hill consists of seven levels and is climbed in stages. As the ascent of 5 km is difficult the pilgrims continuously chant saranams. On top
of Karimala the terrain is flat suitable for the pilgrims to rest. It is interesting to see the Nazhikkinar – a well within a well with fresh spring like water. Prayers are then offered to Karimalanthan, Kochukaduthaswami and Bhagawathi, all deities. From here after the exhausting descent one reaches the Pampa river that is about 5 kms.
11. Periya Annai Vattam
12. Seriya Annai Vattam
13. Pampa Nadi Pampa is the most important and holy spot on the way to Sannidhanam. It is here that Lord Ayyappa was found by King Rajasekara. The Pampa river is as holy as the Ganges. The Pampa water purifies one from curse and evil.

Trek from Pampa to Sannidhanam

Pampa Feast : Pampa Annadhanam (feast) and Pampa Vilakku are important rituals followed at the Pampa bank. Pilgrim groups prepare feast with the provisions taken from the Irumudi of the pilgrims. Thousands of pilgrims are fed at Pampa. When a group of pilgrims are ready to feed the fellow pilgrims they display a large papad outside their cottage. It is usually the kanniswamy who are fed first, as they are considered to be Lord Ayyappan himself. After the feast the Guru is honoured by pilgrims prostrating before him and offering him the Gurudakshina.

Kanni Ayyappas move from kitchen to kitchen collecting the ashes which are considered to be very sacred. It is done with the belief that Lord Ayyappa would have had the feast in one of the cottages in the disguise of a pilgrim. The ash is taken home as prasad.

Pampa Vilakku : At sunset the pilgrims believe that Lord Ayyappan will be present at the banks of Pampa and the cottages are decorated with lights and candles. Small floats are decorated with lights called Pampa Vilakku and are let in the Pampa river.
The next morning after a dip in the cold Pampa river and performing pitru darpanam (offering to ones’ departed soul) the pilgrims start their ascent towards the hill Neelimala after worshipping at the temple of Lord Ganapathi, Lord Rama (avathar of Balaji) and Lord Hanuman. On the foot of the Neeli hill is the representative of the King of Pandalam. The pilgrims offer their respects to the representative. After seeking the permission of the representative to visit the shrine of Lord Ayyappa they proceed with their journey. From here the Sannidhanam is about 6 km. The neeli hill is as difficult as the Azhutha and Karimala. The top of Neeli hill is called Appachi medu. Here there are two abysses – Appachi kuzhi and Ippachi kuzhi. Kanniswamys throw rice balls here to calm down the evil spirits present around the place. From this point the ground is almost even. Some distance from here is the Sabari peetam.
Sabari Peetam : This was the Kota where Shri Sabari, in Sri Rama’s era, performed Tapas. Pilgrims worship here breaking coconuts, firing crackers and lighting camphor.
Saramkuthi : Half way between Sabari Peetam and Sannidhanam is Saramkuthi. Kanniswamy leave the wooden arrow they picked from Erumeli here.
Patinettampadi : The holy Patinettampadi (18 steps) is 15 minute walk from Saramkuthi. The Golden steps is such a magnificent sight. Pilgrims chant saranams loudly. After breaking the coconut they climb the 18 steps to have the darshan of Lord Ayyappa
249 comments on “Trek routes
  1. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.
    I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful
    information. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.

    Also visit my web-site vpn special code

  2. canadian pharmacies [url=http://canadapharmast.com/#]legit canadian pharmacy[/url] canadian pharmacy price checker

  3. I’ll right away snatch your rss feed as I can’t to find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please let me know in order that I may just subscribe. Thanks.

  4. mexico pharmacy [url=http://foruspharma.com/#]mexico pharmacy[/url] mexico drug stores pharmacies

  5. mail order pharmacy india [url=https://indiapharmast.com/#]best online pharmacy india[/url] india online pharmacy

  6. mexican online pharmacies prescription drugs [url=http://mexicandeliverypharma.com/#]buying prescription drugs in mexico online[/url] pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa

  7. mexican rx online [url=https://mexicandeliverypharma.online/#]mexican mail order pharmacies[/url] п»їbest mexican online pharmacies

  8. medication from mexico pharmacy [url=https://mexicandeliverypharma.online/#]medicine in mexico pharmacies[/url] mexico drug stores pharmacies

  9. buying from online mexican pharmacy [url=https://mexicandeliverypharma.online/#]п»їbest mexican online pharmacies[/url] п»їbest mexican online pharmacies

  10. mexico pharmacies prescription drugs [url=https://mexicandeliverypharma.com/#]purple pharmacy mexico price list[/url] best online pharmacies in mexico

  11. mexico pharmacy [url=http://mexicandeliverypharma.com/#]pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa[/url] medicine in mexico pharmacies

  12. best online pharmacies in mexico [url=https://mexicandeliverypharma.com/#]buying prescription drugs in mexico online[/url] п»їbest mexican online pharmacies

  13. mexican pharmacy [url=https://mexicandeliverypharma.com/#]mexico drug stores pharmacies[/url] medicine in mexico pharmacies

  14. mexican rx online [url=http://mexicandeliverypharma.com/#]mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa[/url] buying from online mexican pharmacy

  15. medicine in mexico pharmacies [url=https://mexicandeliverypharma.com/#]mexico pharmacy[/url] mexican rx online

  16. buying prescription drugs in mexico online [url=http://mexicandeliverypharma.com/#]mexican drugstore online[/url] mexican rx online

  17. medicine in mexico pharmacies [url=https://mexicandeliverypharma.online/#]mexican mail order pharmacies[/url] mexico drug stores pharmacies

  18. mexican rx online [url=http://mexicandeliverypharma.com/#]mexican drugstore online[/url] mexican pharmaceuticals online

  19. reputable mexican pharmacies online [url=http://mexicandeliverypharma.com/#]mexican rx online[/url] reputable mexican pharmacies online

  20. medication from mexico pharmacy [url=http://mexicandeliverypharma.com/#]mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa[/url] reputable mexican pharmacies online

  21. tamoxifen effectiveness [url=https://nolvadexbestprice.pro/#]tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention[/url] tamoxifen for sale

  22. prednisone no rx [url=http://prednisonebestprice.pro/#]how to purchase prednisone online[/url] prednisone online paypal

  23. where can i purchase zithromax online [url=https://zithromaxbestprice.pro/#]how much is zithromax 250 mg[/url] buy cheap zithromax online

  24. buy zithromax online [url=https://zithromaxbestprice.pro/#]where can i buy zithromax in canada[/url] how to get zithromax online

  25. This blog is definitely rather handy since I’m at the moment creating an internet floral website – although I am only starting out therefore it’s really fairly small, nothing like this site. Can link to a few of the posts here as they are quite. Thanks much. Zoey Olsen

  26. lisinopril 5 mg india price [url=https://lisinopril.guru/#]Lisinopril online prescription[/url] zestril 30 mg

  27. canadian pharmacy 24h com safe [url=https://easyrxcanada.online/#]recommended canadian pharmacies[/url] canadian pharmacy com

  28. safe online pharmacies in canada [url=https://easyrxcanada.online/#]canadian pharmacy 1 internet online drugstore[/url] legitimate canadian pharmacy online

  29. best online pharmacy india [url=https://easyrxindia.com/#]best india pharmacy[/url] mail order pharmacy india

  30. After research a couple of of the blog posts on your website now, and I really like your means of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website checklist and will be checking again soon. Pls take a look at my web site as properly and let me know what you think.

  31. Appreciating the commitment you put into your website and in depth information you present. It’s awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same out of date rehashed information. Excellent read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  32. Today, I went to the beach with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!

  33. After I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the identical comment. Is there any manner you possibly can take away me from that service? Thanks!

  34. There are some attention-grabbing cut-off dates on this article however I don’t know if I see all of them middle to heart. There is some validity however I will take hold opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish extra! Added to FeedBurner as effectively

  35. Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog shine. Please let me know where you got your theme. Cheers

  36. great put up, very informative. I’m wondering why the other experts of this sector don’t notice this. You should continue your writing. I’m confident, you have a great readers’ base already!

  37. Thank you for another informative blog. Where else could I get that type of information written in such an ideal way? I’ve a project that I’m just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such information.

  38. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very useful information specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info much. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  39. Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do some research on this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more from this post. I am very glad to see such fantastic information being shared freely out there.

  40. I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I?¦ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my site 🙂

  41. I got what you intend, thankyou for posting.Woh I am thankful to find this website through google. “Wisdom doesn’t necessarily come with age. Sometimes age just shows up by itself.” by Woodrow Wilson.

  42. I am commenting to let you understand of the beneficial encounter our child undergone using your web site. She came to understand a wide variety of pieces, including what it’s like to possess an incredible teaching style to make folks very easily learn about a variety of impossible issues. You really exceeded people’s desires. Many thanks for showing such good, healthy, revealing and as well as unique tips on that topic to Janet.

  43. I just like the helpful info you provide on your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and test once more here frequently. I’m rather certain I will be told many new stuff proper here! Best of luck for the next!

  44. I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I?¦ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website 🙂

  45. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz reply as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. cheers

  46. Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he just bought me lunch since I found it for him smile Therefore let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!

  47. Im now not sure where you’re getting your information, however good topic. I must spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thank you for fantastic information I was looking for this information for my mission.

  48. I will right away snatch your rss feed as I can not to find your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me recognise so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.

  49. I like what you guys are up too. Such intelligent work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my website 🙂

  50. I¦ve read some good stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much attempt you place to create any such magnificent informative website.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You cannot copy content of this page

error: Content is protected !!