Sabarimala, the hill abode of Lord Ayyappa, is one of the most important pilgrim centres in the country. It is the most famous and prominent Ayyappa shrine. Legend is that the temple was built by Parasurama, and is considered as one of the five 'panchasastha temples' constructed by the sage to protect Kerala, the others being Erumeli, Kulathupuzha, Achankovil and Aryankavu.
Ayyappa is worshiped as an infant at Kulathupuzha, adolescent at Aryankavu and grihasthasrami at Achankovil.
However, at Sabarimala Ayyappa is worshipped as a Brahmachari. The Temple is open for devotees only on the first of Malayalam months and during Mandalapooja, from November to January, makaravilakku and the harvest festival of Vishu.
You cannot visit this temple like any other Ayyappa temple. Devotees are expected to observe a mandatory fast of 41 days, beginning on the first day of Malayalam month Vrishchikam, from mid-November. The fasting highlights the significance of abstinence and austerity.