The presiding deity of Sabarimala temple is Ayyappa. He is also called Hari Hara Suthan (Son of Lord Vishnu and Shiva). It signifies the confluence of Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions.
Lord Ayyappa was believed to be the prince of Pandalam royalty.
Sabarimala is believed to be the place where the Hindu God Ayyappan meditated after killing the powerful demoness, Mahishi. Ayyappan’s temple is situated here amidst 18 hills.
The shrine is located in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta district.
It is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world with an estimated 5 crores devotees visiting every year.
Devotees have to observe vratham (penance) of 41 days to visit Sabarimala. During this period they lead simple life, eat meal only one time in a day, wear black clothes and a chain.
For visiting the temple, devotees should carry iru mudi on their heads (a kit containing materials for offering at the temple)
Women between the ages of 10 and 50 were not allowed to enter the temple. This is because Ayyappan is a Naishtika Bramhachari (eternal celibate).
Now, SC has allowed women of all ages to visit the temple much to the chagrin of devotees.
There is a mosque of Vavar near the temple. Vavar, a Sufi saint, was a devotee of Lord Ayyappa. But many believe Vavar was not a Muslim but a Hindu – Vaparan
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