Lord Ayyapan: Sabarimala Temple

He established his supremacy in Travancore, Chempazhanattu Kovil in Sivagiri. The foster father of lord Ayyappan, King Rajasekhara belongs to this destiny.

king Rajasekhara was a wise sovereign. There is a golden age under him. His only regret was that he had no child to take his place on the throne. He and his wife begged lord shiva for a child. At the same time, a demon named Mahishasura performs extreme tapas, which leads lord Brahma to grant his wish that no one on earth can kill him these blessings give him more confidence, and he starts destroying people. Then Devas appeals to Durga maa after realizing that only she has the power that destroy Mahishasura, and she kills him in a battle.

Birth of lord Ayyapan

The sister of Mahishasura takes revenge as she had a blessing from lord Brahma, that only Vishnu and Shiva could kill her. She traveled to devloka and begged lord Vishnu to step in. It was decided that a child born out of the union of Mohini and lord shiva would be placed under the biggest devotee of lord shiva, King Rajasekhara of Pandalam.

“Appa” means father “Ayyan” denotes the title of respect. Lord Ayyappan is also known as “Hariharasuta” which refers to the sun of lord Vishnu as Mohini and lord Shiva. His other name is Manikantha he was found in the woods wearing jewelry around his neck. Dharmasastha is another name for goodness and sastha is the common name for teacher and mentor.

About Sabarimala temple

Sabarimala temple holds a mystical and deep spiritual importance. In 2018 Supreme Court decided that women of all ages could enter the temple, which would bring harmony among followers. Believers strenuous 41-day penance, called "vratham," performed before their visit, acts as a transformative journey of self-discipline, cleansing their bodies, minds, and souls in preparation for a profound encounter with Lord Ayyappa.

Creator of Sabarimala temple

The temple has stories that ass its mystique. The temples hold an important place in Hindu mythology. Mohini the Avtar of lord Vishnu and lord shiva are said to be parents of lord Ayyappan. The sister of Mahishasura takes revenge as she had a blessing from lord Brahma, that only Vishnu and Shiva could kill her. She traveled to Devloka and begged lord Vishnu to step in. It was decided that a child born out of the union of Mohini and lord Shiva would be placed under the biggest devotee of lord Shiva, King Rajasekhara of Pandalam.

Where Sabarimala temple is located?

Sabarimala temple is located in Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The temple stands on top of the hill, and devotees should go on foot. It is important to climb 18 steps, which constitute the 18 puranas, or Hindu mythological texts. The temple is surrounded by forests and is located 914 meters above sea level.

It is mandatory to climb all eighteen steps, which represent the eighteen Puranas, or Hindu mythological texts, to fully experience the temple. The temple is surrounded by dense forests and is located 914 meters above sea level.

Sabarimala Temple’s History

Sabarimala temple has a rich history. The temple was constructed by the Pandalam dynasty, who were in the rural area at that time. It is said that after many years of being infertile, King Rajasekhara Pandian and his queen gave birth to Lord Ayyappa. King Rajasekhara found the baby in the forest and brought him to his palace. Lord Ayyappan grew up in the palace and later became a powerful ruler.

Sabarimala temple- the best time to visit

The best time to visit in Sabarimala temple is during the winter months, from November to January. The weather is pleasant during this time, and the hill is covered with mist and fog. The temple is open from April to May during the Vishnu festival.

Sabarimala temple- interesting facts

Many people visit Sabarimala temple each year. the temple recently became the headline due to the ban on the entry of women but after some time it was solved. Believers strenuous 41-day penance called "vratham," performed before their visit, acts as a transformative journey of self-discipline, cleansing their bodies, minds, and souls in preparation for a profound encounter with Lord Ayyappa.

Here are some interesting facts about Sabarimala temple: -

• Sabarimala temple is a temple where women were not allowed to enter until recently.
• The temple has no restrictions based on religion or caste.
• The temple is open during mandala Kala season which is mid-November to mid-January.
• The temple is surrounded by 18 hills, which reflects 18 Hindu mythological texts.
• This is the place where lord Ayyappan meditates after killing the demon Mahishi.

Sabarimala temple- dress code

Sabarimala temple has a strict dress code that believers should follow. Men have to wear a black or blue dhoti, while women have to wear a saree or salwar kameez. Following this dress code will maintain the decorum of the temple. The temple provides a dhoti who do not have a dhoti. 

Sabarimala temple- poojas and sevas

Sabarimala temple is popular for its rituals and customs. Neyyabhishekam is the main pooja of the temple, which is performed with ghee. The purpose of pooja is to please lord Ayyappan. Ashtabhishekam, Udayasthamana Pooja, and Kalabhabhishekam are the poojas and sevas offered by the temple. Believers can perform these poojas and sevas by booking them online or offline at the temple.

Things to do in Sabarimala temple

Sabarimala temple is not just a holy place but also a heaven for those who seek relief in their natural lap. Beyond spirituality, Sabarimala temple offers a natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here are a few things you can do in Sabarimala temple: -

• The main purpose of visiting the temple is to take the blessing of lord Ayyappan. The temple stands on top of the hill, and devotees should go by foot. You have to climb 18 steps, which constitute the 18 Puranas, or Hindu mythological texts.
• Sabarimala temple is popular for its rituals and customs. Neyyabhishekam is the main pooja of the temple, which is performed with ghee. The purpose of pooja is to please lord Ayyappan. Ashtabhishekam, Udayasthamana Pooja, and Kalabhabhishekam are the poojas and sevas offered by the temple. Believers can perform these poojas and sevas by booking them online or offline at the temple.

Sabarimala temple- Festivals

Sabarimala temple celebrates many festivals throughout the year. Makaravilakku is the most important festival, which is celebrated every year in January. This is the end of the season of a journey. The Makara Jyothi, a heavenly light is visible during this celebration. Sabarimala temple also celebrates Onam, and Chithira Attathirunal, among other important festivals.

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