Sabarimala, Jan 15: Makarajyoti is a star and worshiped by pilgrims in huge numbers at Sabarimala temple in Kerala on every Makara Sankranthi day, January 14.
Makarajyoti, the star, disappears when the 'Thiruvaabharanam' (holy ornaments) brought into the sanctum sanctorum of the temple from the palace, nearby the temple, believed to be where Lord Ayyappa spent his childhood. Read More....
The area, beyond Erumeli extending upto the banks of the Pampa river is known as Poonkavanam. It is a long stretch of impenetrable forest into which even the sun rays can hardly reach due to multitude growth of trees.
The first spot of worship during the trek through the terrain is' Kalaketti .There is a Siva Temple at Kalaketti. A coconut is broken at this altar to propitiate Mahadeva. This coconut is sanctified by dipping in the waters of the rivulet named 'Perurthodu' which the pilgrims cross before they reach 'Kalaketti '. Read More...
Pathinettupadi (18 divine steps) to the sanctum sanctorium is divine in all aspects. The first three steps depict "Bhoomi, Agni, Vayoo & Akash", 6 to 9 steps for Karmendriya, 10 to 15 for Jhanandriya, 16th for mind 17th Intelligence and 18th Jeevathma Bhava. Those who cross all these steps are believed to achieve "Punyadarshan". Read More...
Malikappurathamma Devi temple alias Malikapuram Temple is situated on a small hill just 100 meters away from Sabarimala. According to legend, Malikapuram temple is the place where the demon Mahishi rests in eternal wait. The temple complex houses the shrines of the Devi and Kaduthaswamy and also the the shrines of the snake god, Nagaraja and goddess, Nagayakshi. Here coconuts are offered only after rolling them on the ground. Read More...
The Pandalam Royal family has traditional rights over Sabarimala temple because of the foregoing events. One such privilege is keeping in safe custody the 'thiruvabharanam' or the divine and sacred ornaments of Lord Ayappa. The precious and holy jewelry to adorn the Lord during the celebrations of 'Makaravilakku', the grand finale of the pilgrimage period, is brought from Pandalam Palace in a ceremonial procession early morning on the 28th Dhanu (around 12th January), three days prior to 'Makarasankranthi', to the Valiya Koikal Sastha Temple at Pandalam. Read More...
