Irumudi thaangi oru manathaagi guruvenave vandhoom

Iruvinai theerkkum yemanaiyum vellum thiruvadiyai kaana vandhoom

Pallikattu sabari malaikku
Kallum Mullum Kaalukku Methai
Swaamiyee Ayyappoo
Swaami Saranam Ayyappaa Saranam (2nd time with low voice)
Pallikattu sabari malaikku
Kallum Mullum Kaalukku Methai
Swaamiyee Ayyappoo Ayyappo Swamiyee
Neeiyabhishekam Swamikke
Karpoora Dheepam Swamikke
Ayyappan maargalum Koodikkondu
Ayyanai naadi chenriduvaar
Sabari malaikku chenriduvaar (Swaamiyee Ayyappoo Ayyappo Swamiyee)
Kaarthigai Maatham Maalaiyanindhu
Neerthiyaagave Viradhamirundhu
Paartha saarathiyin Maindhane unai
Paarkka veendiye dhavamirundhu (2)
Irumudi yedutthu yerumeeli vandhu
Oru manathaahi peettai thulli
Arumai nanparaam vaavarai thozhuthu
Ayyanin Arul malai Eeriduvaar (Swaamiyee Ayyappoo Ayyappo Swamiyee)
Azhuthai Eetram Eerum Poothu
Ariharan maganai thuthithu selvaar
Vazhi kaattidavee Vandhiduvaar
Ayyan vanpuli Eeri Vandhiduvaar
Karimalai Eetram kadinam kadinam
Karunai Kadalum thunai Varuvaar
Karimalai Irakkam Vandhavudane
Thirunathi Pambaiyai Kandiduvaar (Swaamiyee Ayyappoo Ayyappo Swamiyee)
Gengai nathi pool punniya nathiyaam Pambaiyil Neeraadi
Sangaran Maganai Kumbiduvaar Sangadamindri Eeriduvaar
Neelimalai Eetram Sivabaalanum Eetriduvaar

Kaalamellam Namakke Arul Kaavalanaai Irruppaar

Deha balam thaa Paada balam thaa
Deha balam thaa Paada balam thaa (lower tone)
Deha balam thaa endral avarum
Dehathai thanthiduvaar
Paada balam thaa endral avarum
Paathattai thanthiduvaar nalla
Paathayai Kaattiduvaar (Swaamiyee Ayyappoo Ayyappo Swamiyee)
Sabari Peedame Vandhiruvaar
Sabari annaiyai panindhuduvaar
Saranguthi Aalil kannimaargalum
Saratthinai poottu vanangiduvaar
Sabarimalai thanai nerungiduvaar
Pathinettu padi meethu Eeriduvaar
Gathi endru avarai Saranadaivaar
Mathi mugam Kannde Mayangiduvaar
Ayyanai thuthikkaiyile
Thannaiye marandhiduvaar
Pallikattu sabari malaikku
Kallum Mullum Kaalukku Methai
Swaamiyee Ayyappoo
Swami Saranam Ayyappa Saranam
Pallikattu sabari malaikku
Kallum Mullum Kaalukku Methai
Swaamiyee Ayyappoo Ayyappo Swamiyee
Saranam Saranam Ayyappa Swami Saranam Ayyappa (6)

Sabarimala (0929 North 7706 East) is situated in the midst of 18 hills, in a

bowl of land blessed with a small rivulet named `Uralkuzhi Theertham'. The
area is in the hilly regions east of Kerala bordering Tamilnadu.
Elevation above mean sea level is approximately 1260 Meters/4135 Ft.
Temples existed in each of the hills surrounding Sabarimala. While functional
(and intact temples) exist at many places in surrounding areas like Nilackal,
Kalaketti, Inchiparakotta and Karimala, remnants of old temples are visible in
the remaining hills.
From the international airport of Thiruvanathapuram (erstwhile Trivandrum),
Sabarimala is located at 010 degrees/115 Kms. Similarly, from the
international airport at Kochi (erstwhile Cochin) it is located at 118
degrees/106 Kms. These distances are `direct air distances or distances `as
the crow flies'.
The pilgrimage to Sabarimala is a singular example of a pilgrimage where
pilgrims, without consideration of caste, creed, position or social status, go
with one mind and one `mantra' dreaming constantly of the darshan of the
presiding deity at the Holy Sannidhanam.
The main pilgrimage season is from 14 Nov to 20th Jan every year. This
season encompasses Mandala pooja and Makara Vilakku celebrations.
Immediately after Mandala pooja, the temple closes for five days prior to reopening for the the Makaravilakku session. The most auspicious moment is
`Makara Vilakku' celebrations on `Makara Sankranti' day which generally falls
on Jan 14th. On this day, at dusk, Lord Ayyappa's idol is adorned with
Thiruvabharanam (Divine Ornaments of Ayyappa) brought from the home of
his ancestors (Pandalam Maharajah at Pandalam Palace). After this the doors
of the Sanctum Sanctorum are thrown open for the 'Aarti'. It is at this time
that the Divine Light `Makara Jyothi' is visible at `Ponnambalamedu".
However, the rush of pilgrims is so much on that day that many pilgrims
prefer visiting during other days/seasons.
In order of `rush' of pilgrims, the most crowded day is Makara Sankranti. In
fact, during the period between Vrischikam 1st and Makarom 1st(14 Nov to
14 Jan), there is a heavy rush of pilgrims. There is insufficient place for car
parking at Pampa and at times the cars have to be parked many many
kilometres away.
Next comes `Onam' days and then `Vishu'. Thiruvonam (falls approximately
during the third week of August) is in the Malayalam month of Chingam.
Vishu (Apr 13/14/15) is in the Malayalam month of Medam. These are again

days when a fairly large number of pilgrims visit the temple. During Vishu,
the temple remains open till 20th of the month.
During the other monthly opening days of the temple, the flow of pilgrims is
less. The surroundings of the temple are much more peaceful and one can
visit the temple more peacefully and leisurely.

Sabarimala - General Health Warnings

The Pilgrimage to Sabarimala should not be taken lightly. Devotees with health issues
are advised to keep the following in mind:
1.

Please be aware that as altitude increases, atmospheric density reduces. This causes

reduction in the level of oxygen available while breathing in. This could give rise to many
medical problems.
2.

Those suffering from or susceptible to any heart ailments , especially pilgrims above

the age of 55 yrs should heed the following warnings. This also applies to pilgrims with
diabetes, blood pressure, high cholesterol etc:

Before setting out on your pilgrimage, consult your physician and undergo a
medical check up inclusive of ECG.

Those with heart ailments or those prone to heart diseases must avoid
undertaking the pilgrimage during peak seasons when there is heavy crowding.

Carry along a diary in which your maladies as well names of advised prescription
drugs are mentioned.

If you are under medication for heart ailments or blood pressure, under no
circumstances should you suddenly terminate intake of these medicines unless advised
by your physician.

People with heart ailments must climb slopes gently and slowly. Do not be in a
hurry. Rest frequently.

Keep a check on your pulse. If your pulse goes above 140 beats per minute or is
showing signs of irregularity in rhythm, seek the services of a doctor.

Do not climb with after having consumed full meals. Keep your meals light during
the pilgrimage.

While climbing up to Sannidhanam, if you experience any breathlessness,

giddiness or chest pain, cease climbing immediately. Enroute, there are enough medical
camps and oxygen parlours. Please seek attention from a doctor. Akhil Bharath Ayyappa
Seva Sangh stretcher service volunteers are ever ready to help you.

If you have been advised to take 'Isordin tablets' please follow the prescribed
dosage. Do not exceed the dosage lest it cause rapid reduction in blood pressure and
bring on giddiness/fainting.

Please be aware that if your blood sugar level is low, it results in 'hypoglycemia'.
Indications are sweating, tiredness, dizziness etc. You are likely to faint during climbs.

Stop your climb immediately. Consume some light food. Carry along some chocolates or
sugar. If 'hypoglycemia' hits you, consume some chocolate or sugar.

Those suffering from very high blood pressure, must get themselves examined by
a physician and must discontinue the pilgrimage if the blood pressure remains high.
3. Other pilgrims must also be aware of certain medical problems:

Breathlessness - The cause could by many. Some common problems are asthma,
chronic bronchitis, heavy smoking, The atmosphere during the en route and at
Sannidhanam is likely to be very polluted due to dust, smoke, low temperature etc.
Please consult your physician and get yourself attended to. This must be done well
before the pilgrimage as the medications prescribed by the physician will some time/days
to have its full effect.

Pollution of water bodies occurs due to heavy crowds and unsanitary practices.
This could bring in water borne diseases like hepatitis, typhoid, cholera, diarrhea,
amoebiasis, food poisoning etc. Possibility of airborne infections are also there. These
include influenza, pneumonia, mumps, chicken pox, conjunctivitis etc. So boil water
before consuming.

Persons with any infectious disease must avoid undertaking the pilgrimage till the
infection has been cured.

Be very particular about sanitation and cleanliness.

There are five important temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in the Western Ghats in
Kerala, including the famous Sabarimala Shrine. It is believed that these temples were
founded by Lord Parashurama. Dharma Shasta or Lord Ayyappa is represented
in different stages of his life in these temples. Legend has it that Lord Ayyappa
passed through Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu and Achankoil on his return to Madurai with the
milk of leopardess.

In the Ayyappa temple at Kulathupuzha near Thenmala in Kollam District, Lord appears
as Balaka or child and is known as Manikantan.

At Aryankavu in Kollam District, Lord Ayyappa appears as a young man - Brahmachari. The
temple is closely associated with the Pandi Raja of Madurai.

At Achankoil Sasta Temple in Pathanamthita District, the Lord appears as a Grahastha with
his two consorts Poorna and Pushkala. The idol of Ayyappa here is in Rudraksha Shila.

At Sabarimala, Lord is depicted in the Vanaprastha form. And this is the most popular shrine.

At Ponnambala Medu or Kantamala, the Lord appears as yogi and the

Makaravilaku emanate fromhere.
It must be noted that temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa or Dharma Shasta can be found
in several parts of Kerala, in other Indian states and in foreign countries. In Kerala, even
in temple dedicated to other gods in Hindu pantheon, there will be a Sasta shrine.

Kulathupuzha
The Lord Ayyappa Temple at Kulathupuzha near Thenmala in Kollam District of Kerala is
an important shrine visited by Ayyappa devotees especially during the MandalaMakaravilaku season. This Shasta shrine is located on the banks of Kulathu Puzha, a
tributary of Kallada River, and is in the reserve forest. The deity here is Manikantan or the

child form of Lord Ayyappa. There is an interesting legend regarding the origin of the
Ayyappa Temple at Kulathupuzha. Once and elderly Brahmin returning from his
Rameshwaram pilgrimage camped on the Kallada Riverbank. His servants started the
preparation for the evening meal and they looked out for stones to create the makeshift
oven.
They found a fixed stone nearby and brought two stones to create the oven. But the fixed
stone was bigger than the two stones. The servants placed two stones on top of other to
adjust the height. Suddenly, the first stone grew a bit taller. The poor servants raised the
level of the two stones again but the fixed stone again grew a bit taller. This exercise of
adjusting the height continued for awhile.
Finally frustrated with the fixed stone, one of the servants hit the fixed stone with
another stone. Suddenly blood gushed out of the fixed stone and the scared servants ran
and reported the matter to the Brahmin. The Brahmin sprinkled some tirtha (sacred
water) brought from Rameshwaram on the bleeding fixed stone. Soon, Lord Ayyappa
appeared in the form of child before the Brahmin and his servants. The local chief who
came to know about this incident built at temple for the deity.
Kulathupuzha town is situated on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road.
Kulathupuzha is 60 km north-east of Thiruvananthapuram and 64 km east of Kollam.
Nearest railway station is at Kollam.

Aryankavu Ayyappa Temple

The Ayyappa Temple at Aryankavu in Kollam District is one among the five most
important temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in Kerala. The shrine at Aryankav is known
as Aryankavu Shastha Temple and Lord Ayyappa is depicted as a teenager (young boy)
here. Ayyappa is known as Tiruaryan here and therefore the place got the name
Aryankavu. Surrounded by forests, the temple is located on the Trivandrum Tenkasi
National Highway. Just like in Sabarimala, women from the age 10 to 50 are not allowed
inside the Aryankavu Ayyappa Temple.
The rituals and pujas followed at Aryankavu Sastha Temple is that of Tamil tradition. The
sanctum sanctorum of the temple has idols of Devi, Shiva and Sastha. A young Ayyappa
sits in the middle with Devi on the left side and Shiva on the right side.
The festival at the temple is celebrated during the last days of the Sabarimala Mandala
Kalam. The most important festivals observed here include Pandiyanmudippu,
Trikalyanam and Kumbhabhishekam.
The temple can be accessed by traveling on Kollam Punalur Thenkasi road or by
traveling on the Trivandrum Thenkasi road.

Achankoil Sastha Temple

Achankoil Shastha Temple, or the Dharmasastha Temple, is one among the five important
temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in Kerala. Lord Ayyappa leads the Grihastha Ashrama
life here he is depicted as a family man or leads married life here. He is depicted along
with his two wives Purna and Pushkala. It is believed that the idol here was installed by
Lord Parashurama. The Achankovil Sastha Temple is famous for curing poisonous snake
bites. The left hand of the idol of Ayyappa at Achankoil Shastha Temple always holds
Chandan (sandalwood paste) and Thirtha (holy water). The Chandan and Thirtha are
considered to have medicinal properties to cure snake bites.
The temple complex also contains other deities associated with the Ayyappa legend. The
festivals and rituals held here have strong Tamil roots.
The most important festival here is celebrated from the first to tenth day of Malayalam
month Dhanu (December January).
There are bus services from Punalur and Chengottai to reach the temple. Also there are
private services from Konni, Aryankavu etc.