LORD AYYAPPA, is also called as “HARIHARAPUTHRA” and commonly known as “MANIKANDAN”, his divine parents tied a golden bell around his neck, as per legend of his birth. The presiding supreme deity of Sabari Hills is worshipped by millions of devotees. Ayyappan's origin is uncertain, but is sometimes believed to be an incarnation of Dharma Sasta, who is the offspring of Shiva and Vishnu (as Mohini, in his female form). Sabarimala is located in very deep and dense forests and the devotees who wear Ayyappa maala for the first time are called as Kanne ayyapan’s and they will walk to Peddha Paadam for darshan. And chinna paadam is mandatory which is around 15 km situated on the top hill.
As there was river with a continuous flowing called “pamba” and lord ganapathi was settled in the form of “Pamba Ganapathi”, the young daughter, Leela, of Kalari Panicker fell in love with Ayyappa. She requested for proposal. But Ayyappan turned down her request as being a Brahmachari. As she was offered her seat as “Maalikappurathamma” On a condition Ayyappan promised her that he would marry if incase there is no Kanni Ayyappans (First time pilgrims with iru-mudi) to come to Sabarimala then he would marry her, It is mandatory, every Kanni Ayyappan should deposit Saram (arrow of soft wood) at Saramkuthy as a mark of their arrival. A visit to Sabarimala brings to the devotees' contentment, spiritual upliftment, prosperity and fulfillment of devotees' desires and wishes. The months of Kaartika / Vrishchika, Maargazhi / Dhanur (15 Nov - 15 Jan) are most auspicious for Sabarimala pilgrimage. Lord ayyappa will appear as Makara jyoti on Saturday, maargazi panchami in uttara nakshatram. As a gracious in Vrischika, Dhanur and Makara (Nov, Dec & 1st half of January) months, sabari hills celebrated with Mandala puja.
Total Sabarimala is sourrounded by lush topical jungles and 18 hills. One should visit this temple once in their lifetime.
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