Sannidhanam

The Sabarimala temple is situated on a hilltop amidst 18 hills at an altitude of 1260 metre above sea level, and is surrounded by mountains and dense forests. The temple is also known as Sabarimala  Sannidhanam. The Sannidhanam is the heavenly abode or the place where the God dwells. Usually the temples and its flag posts are situated at ground level. But the Sabarimala temple and the flagpost where built at a height of 40 feet from the ground level. The sacred 18 steps are the important entrance to the holy shrine of Lord Ayyappa.

Sannidhanam comprises the main temple (sanctum sanctorum) with a gold foil-plated roof topped with four finials, two mandampams (gazebo-like structures), balipeedam (sacrificial stone pedestals), balikkalpura (stone structure for making ritual offerings) and a gold-plated flag post.

A massive fire in 1950 destroyed the ancient temple completely. This led to the construction of a new temple. Over the years, more and more facilities have been added to cater to the needs of the pilgrims. Earlier, the idol of Lord Ayyappa was made of stone but now it is cast in panchaloha (combination of five metals, namely copper, gold, iron, silver and zinc).  To the south-west side (called kannimoola, and considered auspicious) of the main temple, stands Lord Ganapathy.  

The Pathinettampadi or eighteen steps leading to the Sannidhanam is gold-covered. 

Flanking the base of the eighteen steps, there are two dwarapalakas or gatekeepers – Valiya Kadutha Swami and Karuppa Swami. Vavar Nada is also located near this. After making their ghee-offering, the devotees throw the empty nei thenga (coconut filled with ghee for offering) into a Aazhi (holy fire pit) below.

Nearly hundred metres from the Sannidhanam, stands the temple of Malikappurathamma, Manimandapam, Kochu Kadutha Swami, Navagraha, idols of snake gods, Nagaraja (King of serpents) and Nagayakshi (Queen of serpents)