Sabarimala Śrī Dharma Śāstā Temple
The 41-day vow and the eighteen golden steps
From the official temple website
Managed by Travancore Devaswom Board
Please note
- Virtual-queue booking for the season runs through the Devaswom Board portal.
⭐ Why it is famous
Tens of millions of pilgrims a year climb the Patinettāmpaḍi carrying irumuḍi bundles after a 41-day vrata; the Makaravilakku light in January is the peak.
📜 Pilgrimage history
Ayyappa, son of Hari and Hara, is said to have meditated here after slaying Mahiṣī; the temple was rebuilt in 1950 after a fire.
🕰️ Temple timings
- Open mid-Nov to mid-Jan (Maṇḍala–Makaravilakku), first five days of each Malayalam month, and Vishu
🙏 Darśan details
- Virtual queue booking is compulsory at sabarimalaonline.org
- 41-day vrata, black or blue dress, and an irumuḍi kettu are required
- Trek 5 km from Pampa via Neelimala; palanquins available
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Sabarimala Śrī Dharma Śāstā Temple, Sabarimala, PathanamthittaChengannur (CNGR) — 90 km
Sabarimala bus stand — state transport buses stop here.
Kochi (Nedumbassery) (COK) — 160 km
KSRTC chain services to Pampa from Chengannur, Kottayam and Erumeli.
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Devaswom rest houses at Pampa and Nilackal
- Hotels in Chengannur and Pathanamthitta
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹3,000 | ₹6,000 | ₹13,000 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Erumeli Petta Thullal
- Gavi eco-tourism
- Periyar Tiger Reserve
📅 Best time to visit
Maṇḍala season, mid-November to mid-January