Kerala is a land of temples perhaps the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala is Sabarimala, high up in the Sahyadri Mountains. Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples.

The shrine of Sabarimala is one of the most remote shrines in southern India yet it still draws three to four million pilgrims each year. Before beginning the multi-day walk through the mountain jungles to get to Sabarimala, the pilgrims prepare themselves with 41 days of rigorous fasting, celibacy, meditation and prayer. The pilgrimage begins in the month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad.Finally arriving at the shrine, the pilgrims will wait in line for hours, even days, to have one or two seconds in front of the image of Lord Ayappa. After seeing the deity, many pilgrims will complete a vow called Shayana Pradikshanam.

The Sabarimala shrine is only open a few times each year, viz ,the Mandalam festival covering 41 days from November 15 to December 26; the Makaravilakku from January 1-14; on Vishu, the day of the vernal equinox in April; and during smaller festivals in May/June and August/September. The shrine, unlike many in southern India is open to persons of all religious callings, and there are no caste restrictions during the pilgrimage. However, women - unless they are younger than six or older than sixty - are not allowed to come to Sabarimala.

Pathinettampadi

Sabarimala temple complex mainly comprises of the Holy Eighteen Steps (PONNU PATHINETTAMPADI) in the front side for ascending to the upper thirumuttom, the main temple of SREE DHARMA SASTHA, shrines of KANNIMEL GANAPTHY and NAGARAJA. The pilgrims with IRU MUDI KETTU alone are permitted to ascend the Holy Eighteen Steps. Those who crosses all these steps is believed to achieve "Punyadarshan".

The Divine Pamba

The divine Pampa plays an important role in the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Pamba is the most important and holy spot on the way to Sannidhanam. It is here 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. Neelimala, Appachimedu, Sabareepeedam, Saramkuthi are the other divine places enroute. At Pampa also there are a few pilgrim sheds.