Temples Of Kerala

Sabarimala is one of the most celebrated temples in South India. It is situated inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa who, according to lore, is the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini, the feminine incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Ayyappa is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Dharma Shastha.

The temple is situated on a hilltop set about 3000 feet above sea level. It is open to devotees only on certain days and seasons. These are several rituals and restrictions for visiting this temple. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has a gold-plated roof and four golden finials at the top. There are two mandapams (pavilions) and a balikalpura (room of the major sacrificial stone), which houses the altar. In 1969, the flagstaff (dhwajam) was installed. Devotees have to climb the Pathinettu thripadikal or 18 sacred steps to reach the temple. The conical roof and sopanam (small set of steps leading to the sanctum) of the temple are covered with gold.