Introduction
The
exotic town of Sabarimala is the most significant centre of pilgrimage in
the state of Kerala. The Sastha Temple is positioned on the slopes of the
Western Ghats. The world renowned temple pulls in hordes of devotees and
pilgrims from across the globe. The pilgrimage commences in the month of
November and continues till January. The temple, which is dedicated to Lord
Ayyappa, opens its doors to all regardless of caste and creed.
History
Sasta, a synonym of Ayyappa, finds its mention in a Vedic hymn. Apart from
being mentioned in the Brahmapurana, Sastha is also mentioned in the Hindu
epic Mahabharata. Lord Ayyappa is held in high regard by the people of Tamil
Nadu. The lord is said to be bestowed with many powers. In many of the
temples, Ayyappa is worshipped in the form of Vettakkorumakan, the son of
hunter god. The Sabarimala pilgrimage has been a part of the traditions for
a long time.
Architecture
The overall architecture of the Sree Ayyappa Temple showcases a blend of
the Keralan and the Dravidian architectural styles. You can also see a
number of paintings on the inside walls of the temple. The design and the
way the temple has been erected symbolises the traditional legacy of Kerala.
The temple dome has platings of gold.
Accessibility
Those who wish to arrive by air can first fly to Thiruvananthapuram or
Kochi. From here, you can take a bus or hire a car to reach Pampa. By rail
route, visitors can catch trains to Kottayam or Chengannur. Further they
need to take a bus or car to get to Pampa.
