Ayyappa Devotion

Sabarimala & Ayyappa Temple Yatra

The Sabarimala Ayyappa pilgrimage — one of the world's largest annual human gatherings — draws tens of millions of devotees from across India to the forested hills of Kerala's Pathanamthitta district every Mandala season (November–January).

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About This Yatra

Lord Ayyappa (Hariharaputra — son of Vishnu and Shiva) is worshipped at Sabarimala as a Naishtika Brahmachari. The pilgrimage requires 41 days of strict vratha (vow): vegetarian food, celibacy, sleeping on the floor, and wearing the iconic black or blue irumudi. The trek from Pampa to Sabarimala involves a steep forest trail. Makaravilakku (mid-January) is the most sacred event when the divine star Makara Vilakku appears on the hilltop. Kerala has numerous other Ayyappa temples — Achankovil, Aryankavu, and Kulathupuzha — that form the Pancha Ayyappa circuit.

Recommended Tour Packages for Ayyappa Devotion

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Kerala Temple Circuit

6–9 days

The Kerala Temple Circuit takes you through the most sacred and culturally distinct temples of God's Own Country — from the world's wealthiest temple (Padmanabh...

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Key Temples for Ayyappa Devotion

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Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

Sabarimala, Kerala

Ayyappa (Dharmasasta)

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Frequently Asked Questions — Ayyappa Devotion

When is the Sabarimala season? ▾
The main Mandala-Makaravilakku season runs from November to mid-January. The temple also opens for Vishu (April), Onam (August/September), and the first 5 days of every Malayalam month.
Do I need a permit for Sabarimala? ▾
Yes. A Virtual Queue booking is mandatory. Pilgrims must book a slot via the Sabarimala Virtual Q system. Vihar Tours assists with permit arrangements.
What are the 5 Pancha Ayyappa temples? ▾
Sabarimala, Achankovil, Aryankavu, Kulathupuzha, and Erumeli — these five temples are considered the Pancha Ayyappa Kshetras in Kerala.
How many days does the Ayyappa yatra take? ▾
The Sabarimala trek itself is typically a 2-day trip from Pampa. A full Kerala circuit combining Padmanabhaswamy, Guruvayur, Sabarimala, and the Pancha Ayyappa temples takes 7–10 days.

Plan Your Ayyappa Devotion

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Other Yatra Purposes

🙏 Navagraha Dosha Remedy 🙏 Shiva Devotion 🙏 Murugan Devotion 🙏 Vishnu / Balaji Devotion 🙏 Devi / Shakti Devotion 🙏 Marriage Blessings 🙏 Health & Healing
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