Stopovers

As the pilgrims make their progress towards Sabarimala they visit a number of temples not only as part of pilgrimage but also to rest for a while. With the passage of time a number of temples have turned out to be the favourites of pilgrims proceeding towards Sabarimala.

Mahadevar temple, Thirunakkara

The Mahadevar temple located at Thirunakkara in Kottayam is one such temple that witness huge congregation of pilgrims en route to Sabarimala. Those who come by train and alight at Kottayam railway station make their move towards Sannidanam only after making a visit to Mahadevar temple. The temple said to be one of the biggest places of worship in Kerala and it is during the Mandala season that the 41-day long annual festival called Chirappu Maholsavam is held here. Considering the huge rush during the Mandala season the Devaswam authorities have arranged bus service at frequent intervals from the temple premises to Pampa.

The temple pond serves as a mass bathing place for pilgrims. The Municipality of Kottayam has made arrangements for first aid at the temple premises. Ample parking facility and a help desk are the facilities available here.

Kadappattoor Temple

The Kadappattoor temple is one of the sought after destinations for Sabarimala pilgrims. Several thousands of pilgrims who come from Northern Kerala and neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh make it a point to visit this temple.

The expansive temple compound and buildings surrounding it along with the presence of Meenachilaar render a special charm for the pilgrims.

Mahadeva Temple, Nilakkal

The Mahadeva temple at Nilakkal is, perhaps, closest to Sabarimala. Palliyarakkavu Goddess temple is also located here. Lord Siva is believed to be the father of Lord Ayyappa and as such pilgrims going to Sabarimala include this temple in their itinerary. Every year temple authorities make elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims.

Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom

Making a visit to the Vaikom Sree Dharma Sastha temple en route to Sabarimala is considered to be a much revered act by the Sabarimala pilgrims. It’s the father-son relationship that connects the Vaikom temple with Sabarimala. It is also believed that along with the visit at Vaikom temple if one visits the Mahadeva temples at Kaduthuruthy and Ettumanoor it’s something equivalent to that of visiting the holy Kailas. And with a visit to Udayanapurathappan the entire itinerary becomes all the more meaningful.

It is those pilgrims coming from the neighbouring states who makes it mandatory to visit this temple. The sprawling area spread over eight acres with a huge pond and other facilities make this temple a favourite of Sabarimala pilgrims. The proximity of Vembanad Lake also provides them with a much needed relaxing ambience. A free breakfast service also attracts many to this place of worship.

Parthasarathi Temple, Aranmula

The Parthasarathi Temple at Aranmula is yet another important stopover for pilgrims along the way to Sannidanam. The idol of the temple is Lord Krishna. The temple is located at an elevated level from the River Pampa. Serving food is the key offering of this temple.

The Thanka Angi meant for adorning Lord Ayyappan during the Mandala puja is kept at this temple and the much celebrated Thanka Angi procession also begins from here. A halt here also helps the pilgrims from other states to more about the much touted Aranmula Kannadi, Aranmula Vallomkali and Aranmula Adakka from close quarters.

Valiya Koikkal Dharmasastha Temple, Pandalam

Pandalam happens to be one of the important in-between places for the pilgrims heading towards Sabarimala. And a Dharmasastha temple better known as Pandalam Valiya Koikkal Dharmasastha temple exists close to the palace where Lord Ayyappan is believed to have grown up. And it’s in this palace close to the temple that the Thiruvabharam meant to be adorned on the idol of Lord Ayyappan on the day of Makara Sankranti is kept. And as is the custom, one of the Elaya Thampurans nominated by the Valiya Thampuram accompanies the Thiruvabharanam.

Mahadeva Temple, Ettumanoor

The Mahadeva temple at Ettumanoor forms part of the temple trilogy where the pilgrims visit on their way to Sabarimala, the other two being the Siva temples at Kaduthuruthy and Vaikom. Most of the pilgrims coming from the northern districts of Kerala and the neighbouring states do not move towards Sabarimala without having visited this temple.