Is It Safe To Go To Sabarimala At This Time?

The weather conditions at Sabarimala in Kerala’s Western Ghats are ideal for pilgrims, with temperatures dropping between 18°C and 25°C. However, it can get windy and cold, so bring a jacket. The pilgrimage experience at Sabarimala is characterized by rituals, festivals, and spiritual preparations.

Covid-19 guidelines advise all pilgrims to wear facial masks during the pilgrimage to protect themselves and others. Parking is now allowed only in Nilakkal parking ground, and there is ample space to accommodate peak rushes. Safety guidelines include wearing a Covid-negative certificate following an RT-PCR test post-December 26, and entering the over bridge from the left side of the golden flagstaff to reach the sanctum sanctorum of the Sabarimala temple.

Sabarimala is one of the busiest pilgrimage shrines in India and the second busiest shrine in the world, mostly visited by Hindu devotees. The lush green Western Ghats attract many visitors. The Ayyappa temple on Sabarimala lies 184 km away from the international airport in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).

Pilgrims are advised to follow safety precautions while traveling, including frequent handwashing, maintaining physical distancing, and using facemasks. They should also carry hand sanitizers. As of now, it is safe for traveling, but there have been three cases of corona reported among students returning from China.

During the night, it is safe to travel due to active streets with shops and police presence. Travel forums for Sabarimala can help travelers plan their journey.

The Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples in Kerala. With an estimated 40 to 50 million devotees visiting every year, it is a popular pilgrimage site.

Who should not go to Sabarimala?

Sabarimala, a temple in Kerala, India, has traditionally forbidden women and girls of reproductive age to worship as Shasta is a celibate deity. The Kerala high court justified this tradition, and since 1991, women and girls aged 10 to 50 were legally forbidden to enter the temple. However, in September 2018, the Supreme Court of India ruled that all Hindu pilgrims, regardless of gender, could enter the temple. The court argued that any exception made to women due to biological differences violated the Constitution, violating the right to equality under Article 14 and freedom of religion under Article 25.

This led to protests by millions of Ayyappan devotees. A month later, ten female activists attempted to enter the temple, but were unsuccessful. In January 2019, two women activists entered the temple through the rear gate, defiance of ongoing protests, and the temple was closed for purification rituals.

How many hours it will take to climb Sabarimala?

The pilgrimage to Sannidhanam involves a steep, winding, and turning 4 km stretch of steps, concrete, rocky, sand, and stone flooring. The climb can be painful for some, but seasoned devotees can complete it in 1. 5 hours, while those not used to it may take up to 5 hours. On busy days, the journey can take up to 12 hours, including waiting periods. The best time to travel is during the first five days of the Malayalam month, as crowds can be overwhelming.

The pilgrimage also includes journeys to Pamba, Ganapathi Temple, Neelimala, Appachimedu, Sabari Peedom, Marakkottam, Marakkootam, Sannidhanam, and back home. The journey to Sabarimala is a unique and challenging experience for many, especially during the first five days of the Malayalam month.

Can we visit Sabarimala any time?

Sabarimala Prasadam, a temple in Kerala, opens at 05:00 am and closes at 10:00 pm, but can be extended during peak seasons to accommodate devotees. Online bookings are available for those unable to visit in person or wish to receive sacred offerings. The temple is located in dense forests and hilly terrains, starting from Pamba. Using a taxi service like Kerala Taxis offers a comfortable and flexible pilgrimage, ensuring the sanctity and tradition of the temple.

Are ladies allowed in Sabarimala now?

Since the establishment of the High Court, ladies have been granted the right to visit Sabarimala Sanctuary.

Can we visit Sabarimala without mala?

The civil darshan entry staircase is accessible to those without irumudikettu, located near the coconut-breaking area, but requires appropriate attire.

Can Christians visit Sabarimala?

Irumudikett and I had an amazing experience at Sabarimala, participating in 10 days of vratham, wearing black mundu, and not wearing shoes.

Can we sleep during Sabarimala?

Sabarimala Deeksha, a 41-day pilgrimage abstinence from certain activities, involves adherents following specific routines, including early mornings and personal choices like taking an afternoon nap.

How difficult is Sabarimala Trek?

The first 2 km of the Satram forest path to Sabarimala Sannidhanam is considered moderately difficult due to its uneven terrain and slopes, which may vary based on fitness level and weather conditions.

How many people died in Sabarimala?

On 14 January 2011, a crowd crush occurred at the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, India, during Makara Jyothi Day. The incident, which occurred during an annual pilgrimage, killed 106 pilgrims and injured about 100 more. The crowd crush was the worst recorded accident in Sabarimala, following previous incidents in 1952 and 1999. The deity Ayyappan, known as Makara Jyothi, is believed to bless his devotees during this festival.

The incident occurred after a Jeep toppled over, and the crowd crush is the worst recorded accident to have occurred in the temple. The event is considered a “National disaster” and has sparked ongoing debates about the safety of religious sites and the impact of crowds on religious practices.

Is Sabarimala open for darshan now?

The Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, located in the deep forests of Malayalam culture, opens at 5:00 a. m. and closes at 10:00 p. m. for darshan every year on a specific day. The temple’s opening and closing dates are based on Malayalam culture and calendar. The temple is closed throughout the year on other days. The opening and closing dates for 2023-2024 are as follows, and pilgrims are advised to note these dates.

How long is the walk to Sabarimala?

Sabarimala Trek is a significant pilgrimage route to Sannidhanam, the abode of Ayyappan, covering 46 kilometers through mountainous terrains and dense forests. It is believed that Ayyappa used this path to kill Mahishi, a demoness. Today, many pilgrims from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu use this route. The starting point is the mosque/mausoleum of Vavar Swamy in Erumely, believed to protect devotees. Peroorthodu, a stream-crossing, is the first stop on the path, offering baths and offering “Malarpodi” and “Aripodi” to the pilgrims.