Introduction
Welcome to the world of travel! As a traveler, you are always on the lookout for new and exciting destinations to explore. And one such destination that holds great importance for Hindu pilgrims is the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. This sacred temple is not just a place of worship, but it also has a serene and enchanting aura that attracts travelers from all around the world.
Located in the lush green forests of Periyar Tiger Reserve in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, Sabarimala Temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. This temple is unique as it welcomes people from all religions and beliefs. Every year, millions of devotees make their way to this holy site, especially during the annual pilgrimage season from November to January.
As a traveler, you must be wondering why Sabarimala Temple holds such significance. The main reason is its strict rules and regulations for entry. Only men who have observed 41 days of celibacy and women who have crossed their fertility period can visit this temple. This makes it a one-of-a-kind temple where people come not just for religious reasons but also as a test of their discipline and devotion.
But that's not all; there's more to Sabarimala Temple than just spirituality. The surrounding areas offer breathtaking landscapes with lush green mountains, gushing waterfalls, and captivating wildlife. As a traveler, you must make sure to visit nearby places like Pamba River, Perunthenaruvi Waterfall, Gavi Forests, and Kalvari Mount to experience the true essence of nature.
History of Sabarimala Temple
.jpg "History of Sabarimala Temple")
Welcome to the scenic state of Kerala, where spirituality and history come together in the form of the renowned Sabarimala Temple. This ancient temple holds a significant place in the hearts of devotees and has become a must visit destination for travelers seeking a truly spiritual experience. In this blog section, we will delve into the rich history of Sabarimala Temple and discover the fascinating stories that surround it.
The origins of Sabarimala Temple can be traced back thousands of years. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ayyappa, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Mohini, meditated on this hilltop in Sabarimala to rid himself of his curse. It is said that after gaining enlightenment, Lord Ayyappa became one with the divine and transformed into a naishtika brahmachari (eternal celibate). The legend also goes on to say that Lord Ayyappa promised to return to this spot every year during the Mandalam season to bless his devotees.
The architecture of Sabarimala Temple has evolved over time. The original structure was built by Parashurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. However, it was destroyed by fire several times before being rebuilt in its current form by King Rajasekhara Pandiyan in the 12th century. This later became known as Mandala Kshetra due to its unique geometry and intricate carvings.
Over the centuries, Sabarimala Temple has not only gained religious significance but also played an important role in shaping Kerala's cultural heritage. It is considered one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations for Hindus and attracts millions of devotees every year from all over India and abroad.
Religious Significance of Sabarimala Temple
Welcome to the beautiful state of Kerala, known for its serene backwaters, lush green hills, and diverse culture. One of the most famous destinations in Kerala is the Sabarimala Temple, which holds great religious significance for Hindus all over the world. In this blog section, we will delve deeper into the religious significance of this holy temple and discover some nearby places to visit while you're there.
Located on a hilltop in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, Sabarimala Temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, also known as "Dharma Sastha". It is believed that Lord Ayyappa meditated at this spot after defeating the demoness Mahishi. The temple opens for worship only during certain months in a year, making it even more special for devotees who plan their visit accordingly.
For centuries, Sabarimala Temple has been a popular destination for pilgrims seeking blessings from Lord Ayyappa. The pilgrimage season starts in November and goes on till January when millions of devotees from different parts of India and abroad come to offer their prayers and seek penance. The temple has strict rules and rituals that devotees must follow, including observing 41 days of austerity before visiting the shrine.
The religious significance of Sabarimala Temple can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures like Skanda Purana and Bhoothanatha Geetha. According to legends, Lord Ayyappa was born out of the union between Lord Shiva and Mohini (female avatar of Lord Vishnu). Hence, he is considered to be a symbol of harmony between Shiva (male) and Vishnu (female). This unique blend makes Sabarimala Temple an important pilgrimage site for both Shaivites
Rituals and Traditions followed at Sabarimala Temple
Are you planning to visit Sabarimala Temple in Kerala? This iconic temple is one of the most revered and popular pilgrimage sites in South India. Every year, millions of devotees flock to this temple to seek blessings from the presiding deity, Lord Ayyappa. Apart from its religious significance, the temple also boasts of a unique set of rituals and traditions that are followed by all visitors. In this blog post, we will take a deeper look into these rituals and traditions and understand their significance.
Located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Pathanamthitta district, Sabarimala Temple is surrounded by lush green forests and scenic hills. The journey to reach this temple is considered as a part of the spiritual experience as devotees have to undertake a strenuous trek through dense forests and steep slopes. As per tradition, devotees must follow strict rules and regulations before embarking on this journey.
The first ritual that is followed by devotees is observing a 41 day strict penance known as 'vratham'. During this period, devotees abstain from consuming alcohol, nonvegetarian food, and other indulgences. This Vratham not only prepares the body for the arduous trek but also helps in purifying the mind and spirit.
As you reach near the temple complex, you will witness another prominent ritual taking a dip in river Pamba before climbing up the 18 sacred steps leading to the sanctum Sanctorum of Lord Ayyappa. These 18 steps are believed to represent 18 chapters of Bhagavad Gita which guides one towards attaining salvation.
Architecture and Design of Sabarimala Temple
If you are a traveler looking to explore the rich cultural and religious heritage of India, then Sabarimala Temple in Kerala should definitely be on your travel list. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is not only known for its spiritual significance but also for its unique architecture and design.
The history of Sabarimala Temple dates back to over 800 years and it is believed that the temple was built by Lord Parasurama himself. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ayyappa meditated here after defeating the demon Mahishi. This makes the temple an important pilgrimage site for devotees who come from far and wide to seek blessings and fulfill their vows.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Sabarimala Temple is its architectural design which incorporates principles of Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian science of architecture. The temple is built on a rectangular plot with four entrances facing different directions. This aligns with the Vastu concept of having an entrance on each side to allow positive energy flow.
As you climb up the 18 steps leading to the main shrine, pay attention to the unique symbolism behind them. The first five steps represent five human senses: sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch which need to be conquered in order to reach God. The next eight steps symbolize the eight levels of consciousness while the last five steps represent the Pancha Bhootas (five elements) space, air, fire, water, and earth.
Nearby Places to Visit Around Sabarimala
If you are planning to visit Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, then you should definitely take some time to explore the nearby places as well. This popular pilgrimage site is not only a spiritual destination but also surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. So, make sure to pack your camera and get ready to experience the best of Kerala.
As a traveler, you must be aware of the importance of exploring new places and soaking in different cultures. And what better way to do that than visiting nearby places around Sabarimala! From stunning waterfalls to peaceful hill stations, there is something for every kind of traveler.
First on the list is Pamba, which is just 6 km away from Sabarimala. This picturesque village is situated at the foothills of Sabarimala and serves as a base camp for devotees during the pilgrimage season. Pamba River flows through this village, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. You can also visit Anandapally Waterfalls in Pamba, which will surely leave you mesmerized.
Next up is Periyar Tiger Reserve, located about 100 km from Sabarimala. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, then this place is a must visit for you. Spread over an area of 925 square kilometers, this reserve boasts of rich flora and fauna including tigers, elephants, leopards and many more species.
Another gem near Sabarimala is Vagamon, a small hill station famous for its lush green meadows and rolling hills. It's just 65 km away from Sabarimala and offers breathtaking views of Western Ghats. The cool climate and serene surroundings make it an ideal place for those seeking peace and tranquility.
You Can Also Read;
Charre Marre Waterfalls, Chhattisgarh
Exploring The Naga Heritage Village, Nagaland
Statue Of Unity, Gujarat | Places to Visit Near Statue Of Unity
No comments:
Post a Comment