Sabarimala: Significance & History of Sri Ayyappa Swamy Mandir. Other Temples in and around Sri Dharma Sastha Temple

Sabarimala is the abode of Lord Sri Ayyappa Swamy. The temple is situated on a hilltop(about 3000feet above sea level) named Sabarimala near the bank of holy Pamba river in Perinadu village of Ranni Taluk in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala State, India. The temple contact phone number 04735-202048.

Sri Ayyappa Swamy Temple is managed and maintained by TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD. (Ph: 0471-2314288).

Temples & Other Deities in and around Sabarimala Temple

Upadevans are Ganapathi, Naga Gods, Valiya Kadutha Swamy, Kochu Kadutha Swamy, Maladaivangal, Navagrahas, Karuppa Swamy and Karuppai Amma.

Sabarimala Temple complex have Pampa Ganapathi Temple, Nilakal Mahadeva Temple and Palliyara Bhagavathi Temple. The main deities of the Nilakal and Bhagavathi Temple are worshipped as the parents of Lord Ayyappa Swamy. Lord SriRama and Sri Hanuman Temples are also situated here.

Significance of the Sabarimala Temple:

It is believed that the temple was consecrated by Maharshi Parasurama.

Sabarimala enlightens the truth of "EKAVDHITEEYAM BRAMMA" where the God, Devotee, Neighbour and all become One "AYYAPPA", the epitome of Unity. The unique feature of the temple is the 'Vavarnada" a worship point highlighting the social and secular texture of this holy land.

Shree Dharma Sastha Temple is opened every month on specified days and during  Mandala Pooja(December-January), Makaravilakku and Chitra Vishu in a year . During the opening days of the temple, Daily Pujas and special rituals are being offered to the main deity of the temple. Pooja Timings

Legend of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala:

It is believed that Lord Sri Ayyappa is the avatar of Lord Dharmasathav born by the union of Lord Vishnu(Hari) and Lord Shiva(Haran).

Lord Dharmasathav had the mission of saving the heaven and earth from demon Mahishi, daughter of Asura named Kurambhan. After completing the mission of rescuing the earth from the demon Mahishi, Lord Ayyappa disclosed his mission to the King of Pandalam(Sri Ayyappa is God gifted Child to the king of Pandalam).  

Lord Ayyappa asked the king to rebuild the Sastha Temple. Sri Ayyappa showed the exact place of the temple by shooting an arrow into the forest. The king rebuilds the temple at the spot where the arrow fell. Lord Sri Ayyappa left his body at manimandapam and merged with the deity of Dharmasasthav, the main deity of Sabarimala Temple.