Sabarimala temple complex

The Sabarimala temple complex is a Hindu temple on Sabarimala hill in Pathanamthitta district, India, located at an elevation of 468 meters amid dense forest in the Western Ghats. The shrine features a gold-plated roof and is reached through stone steps that climb up from the forested trail.

Records point to temple activities since medieval times, when worship began in this forested region. Major renovations were carried out in the 1950s after multiple fires damaged the original structure.

Pilgrimage to the shrine requires wearing specific clothing, usually black or blue, and abstaining from meat, alcohol and worldly pleasures during the preparation period. Devotees often carry tulsi garlands around their necks and chant together during the ascent, creating a communal mood.

The complex opens during specific periods, including November to December for Mandala Pooja and January for Makaravilakku celebrations. The climb requires good physical condition, as the steps can be steep and the path leads through forest.

Between 10 and 15 million devotees visit the shrine annually to worship Ayyappan, a deity regarded as the son of Shiva and Mohini. The highlight of the season is the appearance of a flame on a distant peak, which is interpreted as a sign of divine presence.