Lord Ayyappa
Lord Ayyappa had his human incarnation as the son of the King of Pandalam, Kerala. At that time, the kingdom of Pandalam was under the rule of Raja Rajasekhara. During one of his hunting expeditions, the wails of a child on the banks of the River Pampa puzzled him. As he moved in the direction of the voice he found a resplendent and helpless infant there. The beautiful baby with a radiant face had a gemstone around his neck, hence the 
name Manikantan (“Mani”, means gemstone and “kantan” means wearer around the neck). Manikantan was born of Hari (Lord Vishnu) and Hara (Lord Shiva), with Hari assuming the form of a female (Mohini). Hence Ayyappan is also named as Hariharasutan (Sutan meaning Son).The king had no children, though he was pious, charitable, just, and God-fearing. The king and the queen were the ardent devotees of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu respectively. They had prayed to their respective deities for blessings in the form of a child. So the King accepted the child as God’s gracious gift to his fervent prayer for an heir to his throne. Manikantan was given proper education and training and he grew into a boy well versed in academic lore and martial arts. Meanwhile the Rani (Queen) gave birth to a son; however the king regarded Manikantan as his elder son and decided to crown him as the Yuvaraja.
Since the minister of the Raja was against Manikantan becoming the Yuvaraja, for several hidden reasons, he along with his sycophants lured the queen to act against the king’s decision to coron Manikantan. On the coronation day of Manikantan as Yuvaraja, the queen pretended to be suffering from unbearable stomach ache, and said that she was unable to get any relief from the treatment of any doctor. Finally came a fake practitioner and prescribed “the milk of a tigress” as the cure of the queen’s illness.This drama took place at the instance of the minister. The king appealed to everyonel to get the tigeress-milk, but no-one dared, as all feared death. At last, Manikantan came forward and went to the forest in search of tigress milk, despite the king’s attempt to stop him as he was deeply frightened that the deemed Yuvaraja may not come back alive.
Manikantan entered the forest to fulfill his divine duty, to rid from the world, the demoness, Mahishi. Manikantan killed her and released a beautiful woman who had been cursed to become Mahishi. The young woman asked Ayyappan for his hand in marriage, but being a celibate he declined. However he promised that she would be visited by pilgrims and would be housed next to his temple, and if ever the number of new pilgrims (Kanni Ayyappan) stopped visiting him then he would marry her. Hence she is now worshiped as Maalikapurathamma.
On the death of Mahishi, Indra – the king of the gods, who was displaced and banished by Mahishi, led several tigers for the disposal of Ayyappan.
Days later Manikantan entered the palace precincts riding a fierce tigress and followed by a pack of her cubs. The schemers were frightened and confessed their plot. They were convinced of his divine origins, and prayed to him to be with them for their own salvation and for the safety of the kingdom. Immediately Manikantan disappeared. The king took a decision that he would not eat anything till Manikantan came back. Then Manikantan gave a darshan to the king.
Filled with emotions of happiness, grief, fear, wonder and ‘Bhakti’ (devotion to God) and self-surrender, the king stood praying for the mercy and blessings of Manikantan. He repented that he could not fully visualize the truth of the divine powers of the Lord and repeatedly requested him to forgive him for behaving as if he were his son only. The Lord lovingly embraced the King who prayed to bless him by freeing from ego and the worldly life of birth and rebirth and granted Moksha (salvation). He told the King that he was destined to return. The king requested Lord Manikantan to allow him to build a temple and dedicate it to him and the Lord assented.
Manikantan then enlightened the King on the path of attainment of Moksha. The Lord shot an arrow that fell at the top of Sabrimala and told the King that he could construct a temple at Sabarimala, north of the holy river Pampa and install His deity there. Ayyappan also explained how the Sabarimala pilgrimage shall be undertaken, emphasizing the importance of Penance vratham and what the devotees can attain by His ‘darshan’.
The King secured a promise from the Lord that on Thai Pongal on January 14, every year (celebrated as “Makara Jyothy” all his personal jewellery (usually kept at the Palace) will be adorned on his image at Sabarimala. Hence on the 12th of January every year, the Jewellery will be taken on foot from the Palace by a special emissary of the kingdom, after the puja with all pomp, devotion and reverence. Immeditely when the Arati is over, Royal Garuda (Eagle) flies over the Palace. The Royal Garuda flies ahead, and appears as though guiding the pilgrims throughout their journey. Since there was no modern means of communication like Telephone or Mobile, to the hundreds of thousands of Devotees desirous of worshipping Lord Manikantan’s Jewels enroute to his Abode, this Garud was the sole and absolute signal of advance information even to the Temple authorities at Sabarimala to get ready for the adorning of the Jewels. This journey on the 12th and 13th of January finally reaches Sabarimala on January 14th. Immediately after the jewellery is adorned on the Deity, there is an Arati (offering by burning Camphor). The miracle is that just after the Arati, without loss a second, the Jyothy appears on the east side of the Temple up above the Hills. But then the Lord further consoled the King saying that the devotees who held him and his descendants in ‘Bhakti’ shall happen to be devoted to Him as well. Manikantan then blessed the King and all others assembled there, and vanished. The King duly constructed the temple at Sabarimala, dedicated to him. The deity for installation was prepared by Parasurama, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and was installed by him.
The World famous Sastha temple at Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta District is located on the slope of the Western Ghats. The pilgrimage begins in the month of Vruchikam (mid November) and ends in Makaram-Makara Samkranthi (mid January).
Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Sabarimala
Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa , is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples in Kerala. The temple is situated on a hilltop (about 3000 feet above sea level) named Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district, which is unique in many respects. The uniqueness gathers its voice, as the temple is open to all, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. There is a place near the temple; east to Sannidhanam, dedicated to the Vavar (a sufi and friend of Lord Ayyappa) which is called ‘Vavarunada’, an epitome of religious harmony. Another interesting fact is that it is not open throughout the year. It is open for worship only during the days of Mandalapooja, Makaravilakku and Chitra Vishu. It is said that the pilgrims have to follow fasting for 41days to cleanse their minds before going to Sabarimala. The journey to the temple is to be taken through difficult paths in the forest as the vehicles can go only up to Pampa.
This is one of the most ancient temples in Kerala. It is believed that the deity of the temple was consecrated by Lord Parasurama at the foot of Sabari hills for which reference has been made even in Ramayana. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh but also from other parts of country and abroad.
There is a Vavar Thara very close to. The deity is Vavar, the friend of Ayyappa and a Sufi saint is at the close proximity to the main temple. Ayyapa cult gifts much importance for secularism and communal harmony and has turned out to be a model for the whole world. Another significant aspect of the pilgrimage is that all the pilgrims whether rich or poor, literate or illiterate are all equal before Lord Ayyapa and all of them address each other as Ayyappa or Swamy.
Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Lord Ayyapa meditated soon after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi. Another mythology says that its ‘Parasurama Maharshi’ who uplifted Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe and installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala.
To enter the Sabarimala temple, the pilgrim has to pass Pathinettampadi (holy eighteen steps). The holly eighteen steps that lead to the shrine have been figuratively called Ponnu Pathinettampadi, ‘Ponnu’ being an epithet to denote the holy touch of lord’s feet. But now ‘Ponnu’ has become literally true because the steps have been covered with Panchaloham. Each of these eighteen holy steps represents a desire one must conquer in life, it is believed. Only those who observe 41 day’s of austerity as ritual can only carry erumudi and can climb these steps.
Erumeli Sastha Temple
Erumeli Sastha temple, an important meeting place enroute the pilgrimage to Sabarimala is very famous. There is also a mosque very close by. Ayyappas goes to Sabarimala after worshipping at these two places, which seems of a symbol of Hindu Muslim unity. The pilgrims usually go to Sabarimala after pettathullal- a ritual- at Erumeli. The pilgrimage to Sabarimala without pettathullal and worship at above mentioned temples are not considered traditional. Erumeli temple rests about 38 kiliometers south of Kottayam.
The nearest railway station is Kottayam.
Pandalam Valiyakoyickal Temple
According to legend, the King of Pandalam found a baby lying in the banks of river pampa. As the King had no heir to succeed, the child was considered as a god-given gift and was thus named Ayyappa. So the baby was brought up as a prince. One of the major events associated with the Makaravilakku festival is the procession of the Thiruvabharam (holy ornaments) of Lord Ayyappa from the Sastha temple at Pandalam.
The nearest town and railway station is Chengannur (12 km).
Other famous Sastha temples related to Mandalakalam are Kulathupuzha Sastha temple, Achancoil Sastha temple and Aryankavu Sastha temple.
Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples in Kerala.
The temple is situated on a hilltop (about 3000 feet above sea level) named Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district, which is unique. The temple is open to people belonging to all religions. There is a place near the temple; east of Sannidhanam (the abode of Lord Ayyappa), dedicated to Vavar (a close friend of Lord Ayyappa) which is called Vavaru Nada, an epitome of religious harmony. Another unique aspect of this temple is that it is not open throughout the year. It is open for worship only during the days of Mandalapooja, Makaravilakku and Vishu.
It is said that the pilgrims have to observe celibacy for 41 days before going to Sabarimala. Pilgrims take the traditional forest routes as well as the one from Pamba which is less physically challenging to reach the temple.
Mandala Pooja/ Makaravilakku
Pilgrimage to Sabarimala begins from the 1st of Vrichikam, a Malayalam month coming in the middle of November (probably between 14 and 17). The most important day for Ayyappan is Makarasankranti Day, which is the 1st of Makara (a month of the Malayalam calendar). This day will fall between January 14 and 16.
On Makarasankranti every year without fail, miraculous events occur. Firstly as the jewels (Thiruvabharanam) of the Lord are transported from the Old Pandalam Palace to Sabarimala, a Krishnaparunth (holy Garuda – an eagle – the vehicle of Lord Vishnu), circles above the precious jewels (in fact guarding them), like a protector. This rare eagle is rarely seen in the midst of people for a long period of time, yet the auspicious bird follows the Thiruvabharanam procession, finally circling above Sannidhanam at Sabarimala nine times as it pays its respects to Lord Ayyappan. During this time, there is not a single star in the sky except for a Special Star (Nakshatram)- Makara Jyothi. As the beautiful jewels are placed on the golden body of the Lord within the temple, the several hundred thousand devotees outside, crammed into any available free space, chant “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa”. When the jewels are finally all adorned on the Lord, the Star (Nakshatram) in the sky miraculously disappears. Within moments after the Lord being adorned with the Thiruvabharanam, an effulgence (Makaravilakku) appears in the opposite hills of Sabarimala, shining 3 times. This hill is called Ponnambalamedu.
Devotees can view the Makaravilakku from 9 places in and around Sannidhanam. They are Sannidhanam, Paandithavalam, Pulmedu, Saramkuthi, Neelimala, Marakootam, Hilltop, Chalakayam, and Attathodu.
Pujas & Timings
Temple opened for Mandala Pooja Maholtsavam.
PILGRIM SEASON | |
| Pooja | Time (IST) |
Morning | |
| Opening of Sanctum Sanctorum, Nirmalyam, Abhishekam | 3:00 AM |
| Ganapati Homam | 3:30 AM |
| Neyyabhishekam | From 3:30 to 7:00 AM |
| Usha Pooja | From 7:30 AM |
| Neyyabhishekam | From 8:30 – 11:00 AM |
| Neyyabhishekam/ Using Ghee deposited in ‘Neythoni’ | 11:10 AM |
| Ashtabhishekham (15 nos) | From 11:00 to 11:30 AM |
| Ucha Pooja | 12:30 PM |
| Closing of sanctum sanctorum | 1:00 PM |
Evening | |
| Opening of sanctum sanctorum | 3:00 PM |
| Deeparadhana | 6:30 PM |
| Pushpabhishekam | From 7:00 to 9:30 PM |
| Athazha Pooja | From 9:30 PM |
| Harivarasanam/ Closing of sanctum sanctorum | 11:00 PM |
Special Poojas
‘Neyyabhishekam’ – Neyyabhishekam is the most important offering to Lord Ayyappa. The ghee filled coconut is used to perform this ritual. The ritual starts at 4 AM and continue till Ucha Pooja (1PM). After performing the darsan of Lord Ayyappa and upa-prathistas, the group of Ayyappa pilgrim will make a Viri under the leadership of Guruswamy. They collect all ghee filled coconut and arrange in the viri.
After taking bath at Bhasmakulam, the team leader, usually a Guruswamy will break all ghee filled coconuts and collect the ghee in a vessel to offer it at the Srikovil.
The priest after performing the Neyyabhishekam will return a portion of the ghee back to the devotee. The ghee obtained from the Srikovil is taken back as a divine prasadam. For devotees who don’t bring ghee filled coconut, Devaswom board has arranged facility to get “Adiyashistam neyyu”.
The ghee symbolizes the human soul and through the abhishekam of the ghee on Lord Ayyappa the soul merges with the Supreme Being. The jeevatma is ghee and the paramatma is Lord Ayyappa.
Once the ghee is removed from the coconut, then the coconut symbolizes Jadam or dead body. This is the reason why the coconut is then offered in the huge Aazhi or fire in front of the temple.
‘Padi Pooja’ – Padi Pooja, pooja of the 18 holy steps ‘Pathinettampadi’ is held on select days after the floral bathing of the idol called ‘Pushpabhiskeham’. The pooja is conducted in evenings and is performed by the Tantri, in the presence of the Mel Santhi. The hour-long ritual by decorating the Holy Steps with flowers and silk cloths after lighting traditional lamps on each step, concluded with performing “aarathi” by the thantri.
‘Udayasthamana Pooja’ – Udayasthamaya literally means from sunrise to sunset. Hence it implies worship from sunrise to sunset. Udayasthamana pooja is conducted from dawn to dusk (from Nirmalyam to Athazha pooja). In addition to the Nithya pooja, special poojas with Archanas and Abhishekams are conducted to obtain the “Anugraham” of Bhagavan which enables to fulfill the wishes of the devotees. Out of the total 18 poojas, 15 are done before noon and there are 45 kalasabhishekams.
Kalasams
Sahasrakalasam’-Sahasra Kalasam is an offering to Hariharaputhra (Sri Dharmashastha) as per the Thantric Veda and Agama Shastras with a view to sleek blessings for the happiness of the mankind. It is the noble effort to invoke all the holy spirits utilizing all that is sacred in the form of incense, the precious and semiprecious stone, the seven seas, and the sacred rivers into the holy kalasam (Sacred Pot) of gold, silver, copper etc.
‘Ulsavabali’ -The rituals of Ulsava Bali begins with the sounding of Paani .Ulsava Bali is dedicated to the Bhoothaganams (associates of the presiding deity) and Paani is meant to invite the Bhoothaganams. Then begins the sprinkling of cooked raw rice (Ulsava Bali Thooval) to cover the balikallu of the Bhoothaganams around the Naalambalam and Balikkalpura by the temple Thanthri. When the sprinkling of the cooked rice over the Saptha Maathrukkal is completed, the Thidambu of the presiding deity is taken out of the sanctum sanctorum to enable the devotees to offer prayers. Ulsava Bali is held as part of the annual festival at the Lord Ayyappa Temple.
‘Puspabhishekam’ – Puspabhishekam is the showering of flowers on Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala. The flowers and leaves that are used in Pushpabhishekam ritual are Tamara (lotus), Jamanthi, Arali, Tulsi (Basel), Mulla (Jasmine) and Kuvalam (bilva leaves). A devotee who wishes to perform Pushpabhishekam at Sabarimala has to book in advance. The cost of performing the Pushpabhishekam is Rs.10,000/-.
‘Ashtabhishekam’ – Ashtabhishekam is one of the important offering to Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala. The eight items used for Ashtabhishekam at Sabarimala are:
- Vibhuti
- Milk
- Honey
- Panchamrutam
- Tender coconut water
- Sandalwood or Chandanam
- Rosewater or Panineer
- Water
(Please note that Ashtabhishekam offered in Hindu Religion varies from temple to temple)
‘Kalabhabhishekam’ – Kalabhabhishekam is a very important special pooja usually performed for the strengthening of the chaithanya of the Deity. As part of kalabhabhishekam, Thantri performes the Kalabhakalasa pooja at the Nalambalam in the presence of Melsanthi .
Kalabhakalasabhishekam, marking the conclusion of the ritual by pouring the sandalwood paste on the idol of Lord Ayyappa, is performed during the Ucha pooja by the Thantri after the procession carrying the golden urn having sandal paste for the Kalabhabhishekam around the Sreekovil.
‘Laksharchana’ – ARCHANA means “chanting and glorifying the Divine name”. LAK means 100,000. Therefore, LAKSHARCHANA is the name and practice of repeating in a group, the name of the Lord in the form of a Mantra.
Later, the Thantri, assisted by Melsanthi and some other priests performs Laksharchana at the Sannidhanam. The `Brahmakalasam’ of the laksharchana is taken in procession to the sanctum sanctorum for `abhishekam’, prior to the `uchapuja’.
Harivaraasanam- The sanctum sanctorum closes with this song, each day.
Harivaraasanam Viswamohanam
Haridhadheeswaram Aaradyapaadukam
Arivimardhanam Nithyanarthanam
Hariharaatmajam devamaasraye
Sharanakeerthanam Sakthamaanasam
Bharanalolupam Narthanaalasam
Arunabhaasuram Bhoothanayakam
Hariharaatmajam devamaasraye
Pranayasatyakaa Prananaayakam
Pranathakalpakam Suprabhaanchitam
Pranavamandiram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharaatmajam devamaasraye
Thuragavaahanam Sundaraananam
Varagadhayudham Devavarnitham
Gurukripaakaram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharaatmajam devamaasraye
Thribhuvanaarchitham Devataatmakam
Thriyanam Prabhum Divyadesitham
Thridasapoojitham Chinthithapradam
Hariharaatmajam devamaasraye
Bhayabhayaavaham Bhaavukaavaham
Bhuvanamohanam Bhoothibhooshanam
Dhawalavaahanam Divyavaaranam
Hariharaatmajam devamaasraye
Kalamrudusmitham Sundaraananam
Kalabhakomalam Gaathramohanam
Kalabhakesari Vaajivaahanam
Hariharaatmajam devamaasraye
Sithajanaproyam Chinthitapradam
Srithivibhooshanam Saadhujeevanam
Sruthimanoharam Geethalaalasam
Hariharaatmajam devamaasraye.
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Contacts
TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD | |||
| OFFICE | SABARIMALA | PAMBA | |
| EXECUTIVE OFFICER | 04735-202028 | NIL | |
| ASST. EXECUTIVE OFFICER | 04735-202400 | NIL | |
| ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER | 04735-202038 | 04735-203442 | |
| APPAM PREPARATION | 04735-202142 | NIL | |
| ASST. ENGINEER | 04735-202027 | 04735-203464 | |
| ANNADANAM COUNTER | 04735-202919 | NIL | |
| BHANDARAM SPL. OFFICER | 04735-202017 | NIL | |
| BHANDARAM | 04735-202045 | NIL | |
| CHIEF ENGINEER | 04735-202122 | NIL | |
| D.E,MARAMATH | 04735-202037 | 04735-203453 | |
| INFORMATION OFFICE | 04735-202048 | 04735-203339 | |
| DEVASWOM VIGILANCE | 04735-202058 | NIL | |
| DEVASWOM COMMISSIONER | 04735-202004 | NIL | |
| DEVASWOM MESS | 04735-202109 | NIL | |
| DEPUTY COMMISSIONER | 04735-202117 | NIL | |
| DEVASWOM STORE | 04735-202083 | 04735-203326 | |
| DEVASWOM BOOK STALL | 04735-202053 | NIL | |
| ELECTRICAL SECTION ROOM | 04735-202072 | NIL | |
| ACCOMMODATION OFFICER | 04735-202049 | NIL | |
| EXECUTIVE OFFICE | 04735-202026 | NIL | |
| EXECUTIVE OFFICE SERVER ROOM | 04735-202151 | NIL | |
| SABARI GUEST HOUSE | 04735-202056 | 04735-203441 | |
| GENERATOR ROOM | 04735-202093 | NIL | |
| MELSANTHI/ SABARIMALA | 04735-202030 | NIL | |
| MELSANTHI/ MALIKAPPURAM | 04735-202002 | NIL | |
| MALIKAPPURAM TEMPLE | 04735-202022 | NIL | |
| SASTHA FUELS TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD | NIL | 04735-203346 | |
| PA TO PRESIDENT,TDB | 04735-202052 | NIL | |
| S P -VIGILANCE,TDB | 04735-202081 | NIL | |
| SPECIAL COMMISSIONER,TDB | 04735-202015 | 04735-203466 | |
| SABARIMALA SANITATION SOCIETY | 04735-203316, 203568 | ||
| LIAISON OFFICER TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD | 04735-202917 | NIL | |
| PRESIDENT TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD | 04735-202034 | NIL | |
| MEMBER 1 TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD | 04735-202011 | 04735-202013 | |
| MEMBER 2 TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD | 04735-202018 | NIL | |
| NILACKAL | |||
| ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER | 04735-205290 | ||
| ASST. ENGINEER OFFICE | 04735-205291 | ||
| MEDIA CENTRE INFORMATION PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT | SABARIMALA SANNIDHANAM PATHANAMTHITTA KERALA TEL/FAX: 04735- 202664 | ||
OPENING AND CLOSING DAYS OF SABARIMALA TEMPLE
1193-1194 ME (2018-19)
| Opening | Closing | |
| Mandala Pooja Maholsavan | 15/11/2017 5pm | 26/12/2017 10pm |
| Makaravilakku festival | 30/12/2017 5pm | 20/01/2018 7am |
| Makaravilakku Day | 14/01/2018 | |
| Monthly Pooja (Kumbham) | 12/02/2018 5pm | 17/02/2018 10pm |
| Monthly Pooja (Meenam) | 14/03/2018 5pm | 19/03/2018 10pm |
| Pathivu Ulsavam | 20/03/2018 5pm | 30/03/2018 10pm |
| Kodiyettu | 21/03/2018 | |
| Painkuni Uthram &Arattu | 30/03/2018 | |
| Meda Vishu Festival | 10/04/2018 5pm | 18/04/2018 10pm |
| Meda Vishu | 15/04/2018 | |
| Monthly Pooja (Edavam) | 14/05/2018 5pm | 19/05/2018 10pm |
| Idol Installation day | 24/05/2018 5pm | 25/05/2018 10pm |
| Monthly Pooja (Midhunam) | 14/06/2018 5pm | 19/06/2018 10pm |
| Monthly Pooja (Karkkidakam) | 16/07/2018 5pm | 21/07/2018 10pm |
| Monthly Pooja (Chingam) | 16/08/2018 5pm | 21/08/2018 10pm |
| Onam | 23/08/2018 5pm | 27/08/2018 10pm |
| Monthly Pooja (Kanni) | 16/09/2018 5pm | 21/09/2018 10pm |
| Monthly Pooja (Thulam) | 17/10/2018 5pm | 22/10/2018 10pm |
| Sree Chithra Attathirunal | 05/11/2018 5pm | 06/11/2018 10pm |
| Mandala Pooja | 16/11/2018 5pm | 27/12/2018 10pm |
| Makaravilakku Festival | 30/12/2018 5pm | 20/01/2019 7am |
| Next Makaravilakku Day | 14/01/2019 |
Distance Chart
Below given are the four main routes leading to the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple.
1. Kottayam to Pamba (via) Erumeli and from Pamba to Sabarimala by foot (136 km). Kottayam to Pamba (via) Manimala and there to Sabarimala(116 km).
2. Erumeli to Sabarimala (via) Kalaketty, Azhutha, Inchipra, Karimala, Pampa ( 45 km, traditional route by walking).
3. Vandiperiyar to Mount estate by vehicle and from there by walk to Sabarimala.
4. Trek route: Vandiperiyar to Kozhikanam 15 km; Kozhikanam to Uppupara 10 km, Uppupara to Sabarimala 3.5 km.
Nearest railway stations are Kottayam and Chengannur.
| Route | Distance |
| Erumely to Pamba | 80 km |
| Kottayam to Erumely (via) Kanjirapally | 55 km |
| Kottayam to Erumely (via) Manimala | 54 km |
| Kottayam to Pamba (via) Manimala | 116 km |
| Kottayam to Pamba (via) Thiruvalla (Kozhencherry, Vadasserikkara ) | 119 km |
| Kottayam to Pamba (via) Thiruvalla | 123 km |
| Chengannur to Pamba | 93 km |
| Ernakulam to Pamba (via) Kottayam | 200 km |
| Alappuzha to Pamba (via) AC Road | 137 km |
| Punalur to Pamba | 101 km |
| Pathanamthitta to Pamba | 65 km |
| Thiruvananthapuram to Pamba | 180 km |
| Ernakulam to Erumely (via) Vaikkam, Pala, Ponkunnam | 121 km |