Sri Hariharathmajashtakam (Harivarasanam)

'Harivarasanam' is the creation of Kumbakudi Kulathur Iyer. In 1955, Swami Vimochananad recited this Ashtakam for the first time at Sabarimala.
Sannidhanam, in early 1940s, 50s and 60s , was just wild jungle which few pilgrims visited. It is understood that a VR Gopala Menon of Alapuzha used to stay on at Sannidhanam even when the temple was closed. He built a shack and stayed there even when no human being was anywhere nearwhere nearby during those days when the temple was closed. It was said that the wild animals never troubled him and that he used to feed the wildest of animals. Some years later, when Devaswom Board was formed, the Web Master understands, he was asked to move out. He died as an orphan of the world at a tea estate at Vandiperiyar. He was the only companion to Thirumeni Eashwaran Nampoothiri (an old Mel Santhi of Sannidhanam) in those wild old days of solitude and dedication.
Revered Menon used to recite `Harivarasanam' with all devotion. It was with immense grief that Thirumeni Eashwaran Nampoothiri heard about the demise of Revered Menon. At that end of the pooja that day, when he was about to close the doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum, he remembered Revered Menon and recited 'Harivarasanam' starting a nostalgic tradition that remains unbroken to this day.
Harivarasanam is recited just prior to closing of the temple doors at night.
As the final verses are being sung, all the assistant Santhis leave the Sanctum Sanctorum one by one. As the song ends, only the Mel Santhi is inside the Sreekoil. He extinguishes the lamps one by one and closes the doors for the night after the last lamp is extinguished.

Harivarasanam Viswamohanam

Haridadhiswaram Aaradhyapadhukam

Arivimardhanam Nithyanarthanam

Hariharatmajam Devamashreye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranakirtanam Bakhtamanasam

Bharanalolupam NarthanalasamA

runabhasuram Bhoothanayakam

Hariharatmajam Devamashreye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Pranayasathyakam Praananayakam

Pranathakalpakam Suprabhanjitham

Pranavamanidram Keerthanapriyam

Hariharatmajam Devamashreye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Thuragavahanam Sundarananam

Varagadhayudham Vedavavarnitham

Gurukrupakaram Keerthanapriyam

Hariharatmajam Devamashreye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Tribuvanarchitam Devathathmakam

Trinayanam Prabhum Divyadeshikam

Tridashapoojitham Chinthithapradam

Hariharatmajam Devamashreye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Bhavabhayapaham Bhavukavaham

Bhuvanamohanam Bhoothibhooshanam

Dhavalavahanam Divyavaranam

Hariharatmajam Devamashreye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Kalamrudusmitham Sundarananam

Kalabhakomalam Gathramohanam

Kalabhakesari Vajivahanam

Hariharatmajam Devamashreye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Srithajanapriyam Chinthithapradam

Sruthivibhushanam Sadhujeevanam

Sruthimanoharam Geethalalasam

Hariharatmajam Devamashreye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Important Poojas in Sabarimala Temple

NEYYABHISHEKOM

This ritual of bathing the Ayyappa idol in ghee is considered an important offering to the deity. It is symbolic of the pilgrim's self-realisation. The pilgrimage itself is a symbolic journey of the individual soul merging with the supreme reality.In fact, the filling up of an empty coconut with ghee is the most important ritual before the beginning of the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Even before filling one's irumudi kettu, the pilgrim fills up the neythenga or a coconut filled with ghee, with sarana mantram on his lips.

Before filling ghee into the coconut, the devotee drains out water in the coconut symbolising the draining out of his worldly aspirations. He then fills up empty coconut with ghee, the ghee representing the soul and coconut the body.

This coconut is broken only at the hill shrine and the ghee is taken for abhishekom. When the pilgrim stands before the idol and Neyyabhishekom is performed, the merging of jivatma with the paramatma takes place.The broken pieces of coconut are thrown into the sacred fire kept alive throughtout the season on the temple premises. The burning symbolises, devouring of all impurities of one's heart in the fire of knowledge developed through devotion to Ayyappa.

One important fact that authorities quite often fail to inform the devotees about this offering is that the neyyabhishekom is performed only till the ucha puja (special puja at noon). Abhishekoms are also perfomed with milk, tender coconut water, water, honey, vibhoothi (sacred ash), sandal paste, flower, etc.

PUSHPABHISHEKOM

The pushpabhishekom is performed only after deeparadana. Flowers are brought by the devotees. At times, pilgrims from Tamil Nadu bring along truckloads of flowers of various hues.

OFFERINGS TO KOCHU KADUTHA, VAVAR AND OTHER GODS

Ganjai, (a rare variety of plantain used only for rituals), malaru (broiled paddy) and jagri are offered to Kochu Kadutha Swamy, believed to one of the trusted lieutenants of Lord Ayyappa during his war against dacoit king Udayan.

Pepper, incense sticks and rose water are offered to Vavru Swamy, the Muslim confidante of the Lord.The Paanans (members of the caste by the same name who sing in temples to please snake gods) are made to sing before the Nagaraja and Nagayakshi idols to ward off evil spirits.

OFFERINGS AT MALIKAPURAM

Sachets of turmeric powder, normally carried along with other puja materials,are emptied around the temple of Malikappuram, adjacent to the hill shrine. Other than this saffron, silk and betel leaves are also offered to the goddess.Another unique offering is the nalikeram uruttu. The devotee can purchase a coconut from the temple counter and he rolls it around the temple and later breaks it in front of the shrine.

VEDIVAZHIPADU

Devotees burst Kathina (crude cracker made by packing gun powder in a very thick iron tube) in front of the Pathiettampady. This offering is made to please all gods. It is also believed that the explosion will scare away all evil spirits haunting one's family.

UDAYASTHAMANA PUJA

Other pujas offered to the lord are udayasthamana puja and a day's puja. The puja is now performed only during the first week of Malayalam months other than the mandala and Makara vilakku seasons as it affects the routine at the hillshrine during the annual congregation.

PADIPUJA

This is an elaborate puja made at the pathinettampadi, the 18 steps leading to the hill shrine. Though this puja was performed throughout the season, of late it is offered only when the temple opens during the first week of Malayalam months in view of the heavy crowd during mandalam and Mahara vilaku seasons.

IMPORTANT PUJAS DURING MANDALAM & MAHARA VILAKU SEASONS

The three main pujas during the mandalam season are the usha puja, ucha puja and athazha puja performed at morning, noon and night, respectively.The usha puja is performed at 7.30 am. However, there is stipulated timing for other pujas as it will depend on the crowd and number of neyyabhishekoms.While the usha puja and athazha puja are perfromed by the chief priest, the ucha puja is performed by the tantri. Another feature of the ucha puja is the offering made on 25 kalasams (metallic pots).At the morning puja, ushapayasam is the nivedyam (offering to the Lord). vellanivedyam and aravana (special payasam made during the mandala and makara vilakku seasons) are offered at noon and vellanivedyam and appam are offered for athazha puja.

SHAYANAPRADAKSHINAM

A devotee performs the Shayanapradakshinam (perambulating the sanctum sanctorum in a prostrate position) as an offering to the Lord for curing ailments and solving domestic, professional and other problems. It is also done to ward off evil spririts.The devotee after a dip in the temple pond prostrates before the Lord's idol and rolls along the pradakshina vazhi (pathway around the sanctum sanctorum for perambulating).

About Pathinettampadi

Built on a plateau about 40 feet high, the Ayyappan temple commands a lofty view of the mountains and valleys all around. The ancient temple has been rebuilt after a fire in 1950, consisting of a sanctum sanctorum with a copper-plated roof and four golden finials at the top, two mandapams, the belikalpura which houses the altar, and the flag-staff Replacing the earlier stone image of the deity is a beautiful idol of Ayyappa in panchaloha, an alloy of five metals, about one and a half feet tall. There are several explanations regarding the significance of the Patinettampadi, but in all of them, the emphasis is on the number 18. One popular belief is that the first 5 steps signify the five indriyas or senses, the next 8 the ragas, the next 3 the gunas, followed by vidya and avidya. Crossing these would take the devotee closer to self-realisation. Originally it was granite stone of 5 to 6 feet wide. Now it is covered by panchloha in the year 1985. The steep steps are so important and holy, no one can climb them without fasting for 41 days and carrying the holy irrumudi on head.

There are many mythology associated with the holy Patinettampadi. Some believe the eighteen steps denotes the 18 puranas. Some say that 18 weapons with which Lord Ayyappa destroyed the evil denotes the 18 steps. Others are of the belief that the first five steps denotes the indriyas (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin). The next eight steps signifies the ragas (tatwa, kama, krodha, moha, lobha, madha, matsraya, and ahamkara. The next three steps signifies the gunas (satwa, rajas and thamas). The seventeenth and the eighteenth denotes vidhya and ignorance. The Patinettampadi can be used only twice - once for ascending the temple and once for descending below leaving the hill. Before ascending or descending the steps, pilgrims break coconut as an offering to the steps. One needs to have the sacreIrumudi on head while going up or down the 18 steps. While descending the steps the devotees climb down backwards facing the sanctum sanctorum.

One who climbs the Patinettampadi for 18 times shall plant a sapling of coconut in Sabarimala.

Accommodation at Sabarimala, Sannidanam and Pamba

ACCOMMODATION AT SANNIDHANAM & PAMBA

Devaswom Guest House at Sannidhanam
Guest House	No. of Rooms	Rent	Phone
Maramath – Complex	22	225 to 450	04735-202027
Donor House I	24	250	04735-202041
Donor House II	16	150	“
Hall	2	600	”
Donor House III	24	250	“
Donor House IV	24	250	“
Donor House V	19	400 to 750	“
Pilgrim Centre I	103	150	“
Pilgrim Centre II	115	250	“
G.K.D. Charity Trust Hall	2	700	“
Poorna Pushkala Hall	1	450	“
Cottages (5)	51	600 to 1000	“
Malikappuram Building	16	100	“
Hall	1	100	“
Sabari Nivas	64		04735-202321

Accomodation For 3 Persons 375 Remit

" 4 Persons 600 Rs.50/- for

" 5 Persons 700 Extra bed

For Advance booking for accomodation in Devaswom guest houses contact:

Commissioner, Travancore Devaswom Board, Nanthancode,
Thiruvananthapuram. Phone: 0471-2315156, 2316963, 2317983

For Booking from Sabarimala Contact:

Accomodation Office at Sannidhanam Phone:04735-202049
Pilgrims can book rooms in advance in the guest house of Forest Department and Kerala State Electricity Board:

Sannidhanam Forest IB Phone: 202074 / 202075

6 Room Rs.300 per day Contact:
Field Director, Project Tiger Kottayam, Kerala Phone:0481-2565940
Sannidhanam KSEB IB Phone: 202024

3 Rooms Rs.20/- per person. 1 Hall: Rs.10/- Per person
Contact: Board Secretary, Vaidyuthi Bhavan
Thiruvananthapuram, Phone:0471-2448989
Forest Department has also an IB Dormitary at Pamba. IB has 3
Rooms (Rs.300 per day). Accomodation is available in the Dormitary for Rs.50 per person.

* Rate mentioned may change without notification. We take no responsibility for correctness of the rates mentioned. Please contact Travancore Devasom Board for current rates.

The Makara Jyothi and Makara Vilakku

Main event at Sabarimala is the Makara Jothi (usually on January 14th). Thiruvabaranam or the sacred jewels of the Lord (presented by Padalam King) arrives at Sabarimala in three boxes. On the arrival of the jewel boxes the whole mountain reverberates to the chanting of 'Saranam Ayyappa' by millions of devotees gathered there to watch the event.

The Thiruvabaranam box - still the private property of the Pandalam royal family, starts it journey two days before Makara Jothi day from Pandalam. The person who carries the box dances in a trance that can be believed only by who witnesses it.Thiruvabaranam travels through Valiakoikkal Sastha temple at Pandalam, Ayiroor Puthia Kavu Temple, Perunattil temple, Vlakkai, Nilaikkal Siva temple, Vellachimala,

Pamba and Sabari Peedam before reaching at Sannidhanam around 6.00 PM ontheMakara Jothi day. Every year a Garuda hovers and flies above the Thiruvabaranam boxes as if to guard them.On reaching the Sannidhanam the Melshanthi and Thandhri receive the sacred jewels amidst of thundering echoes of Sarana ghosham. The Thiruvabaranam box contains a diamond crown, golden bracelets, necklaces and a sword. The priests adorn the Lord with these and perform arathi.

At the same moment a brilliant light of amazing magnificence appears in the northeastern side to the temple at opposite mountain in a place called Kantamala (the home of devas and rishis). It is believed that this brilliant flame of light is the arathi performed by the rishis and the devas. This event marks the culmination of the pilgrimage to Sabarimala.

Makara Vilakku :

After the jothi, that night Malikappurathuamma, mounted on an elephant comes in a procession to the Patinettampadi (18 steps ) and returns back to her abode. This is the beginning of the Makara Vilakku festival. This festival lasts for seven days. Many pilgrims stay back till this festival is over and Kuruthi pooja (offering of water mixed with chunnambu and turmeric powder to the forest deities) is performed.

Even some who leave Sabarimala after witnessing the Jothi observe fasting till the Makara Villaku and Kuruthi pooja is complete at Sabarimala.

Other festivals :

Onam, Mandalapooja, Pankuni Uthram (Lord Birthday) and Vishu are the other festivals celebrated in Sabarimala with pomp and glory.

The Sacred Irumudi

lrumudi is the only travelling kit which a pilgrim carries on his head during the pilgrimage. Only those who observe fasting for 41 days are allowed to carry it. Without the Irumudi one is not allowed to step onto the holy 18 steps at the Sannidhanam.

This bag is in two compartments - the Munmudi (the front part) and thePinmudi (the back part) & the opening at centre. The front portion is reserved for keeping all the puja articles and offerings to the deity while the rear part is meant to hold the pilgrims personal requirements for the journey.

Front portion contains Mudra bags, consisting of 2 - 3 in numbers - one for the GheeCoconut and the other two for the remaining offerings. Items for Vazhipadu(offering) at the Sannidhanam that is kept in the front compartment of the Irumudi are as under:

	Coconut filled with ghee for Abhishekam (bathing the idol of the Lord)+
	Coconut (vidalai thengai) 2 to 4 nos. *
	Beetel leaves, Beetel Nut, coins for offering
	Jaggery (achuvellam), Cashew, Raisins, Dry ginger, Poha (thin & thick variety), Cardamoms, Dates, Honey, Avil ( beaten rice), Kadhi Chakkar #
	Dried turmeric tubers, Turmeric powder, Blouse piece, Kumkum, Vibhooti, Sandal paste, Sambarani, Camphor, Agarbathi (Incense stick), Rosewater, Lemon, Rice and Dal for offering.
+	Coconut for ghee Abhishekam : Well before the Kettunira time, select a medium size coconut. Clean and polish the outer shell using a polishing paper. With a pointed instrument, open one eye of the coconut and empty the coconut water. Close it with a cork of correct size. The coconut is now in readiness for the Kettunira.
*	Coconut (Vidalai Thengai) one each to be broken at Erumeli, Sharam Kutti and two for Padinettampadi (the sacred 18 steps - once while climbing up for Shasta Darshan with the Irumudi and 2nd while returning after the worship
#	Part of the jaggery, cashew, raisin, cardamom, honey and dates can be used to make Panchamrutam for the Neivedya; part of the jaggery, dry ginger and cardamom can be used for preparing 'Panagam' as Neivedya

Items for use of the pilgrim from the day of commencement of the journey after Kettunira till the return is kept in the back compartment or the Pin Mudi, which are as under :

Some snacks which one may require now and then during the trip and other raw materials for food items to be prepared during the journey. And pulses and rice needed for cooking can be included in Pinmudi

The Austerities

The 3 austerities prescribed for devotees are:

1). Austerity of body

Purity, uprightness, continence and non violence

2). Austerity of mind

Tranquility, gentleness, silence, self control and purity of thought

3). Austerity of speech

Speech that causes no annoyance to others, truthful, pleasant and beneficial and recitation of scriptures.

Vegetarianism has been prescribed during the 41 days vritharn to help achieve the above austerities. Brahmacharya (continence) will help convert the physical energy to spiritual energy. Self surrender leads to self realization. The self that surrenders is the ego and the self that realizes is God. The carrying of irrurnudi on the head and chanting of saranammantrain is a total surrender to God.

The life of the man can be improved and re-energized by performing Tapas or austerity. Tapas may be performed in body, speech and mind as per 'Gita'. When man applies himself to these three components, he changes for the better.

Given below are the austerities and regulations that has to be strictly followed for taking pilgrimage to Shri Sabarimala:

The vritham has to be undertaken after getting permission from parents. Then one has to get the permission of the the Guru. After this the date is fixed to commence the vritham. The previous day before the said date one has to offer prayers to ones family deity and make a holy knot with yellow cloth with 1.25 currency units within and present it to the family deity, thereby taking Her/His permission to commence the vritham

	Previous day before starting the vritham, the devotee willcleanly shave, clip his nails, trim his hair and make himself physically clean. The holy mala / garland (tulsi / uthradsham) should be cleaned and smeared with sandal paste and placed before the portrait of Lord Ayyappa. The devotee should also buy a new pair of coloured (black, blue, saffron) dhoti and towel/shawl.
	On the day of starting the vritham the devotee shall raise early, bath and offer prayers to family deity, Navagrahas and perform pooja to the holy mala. Then he shall go to temple with his Guru. The mala has to be received from the Guru in midst of chanting of Saranam. After wearing the mala the devotee becomes Lord Ayyappa himself and starts the demands of pious life.
	The devotee shall withdraw from all social activities and spend his time by taking part in praying, poojas, bajans, visiting temples, cleaning temples, feeding the poor, helping the poor/sick and attending religious discourses.
	He shall take only satvic foods and refrain 100% from taking meat, intoxicating drinks / drugs, chewing betel leaves and from smoking.
	He shall bathe twice, if possible thrice, daily and perform pooja by at least chanting 108 Ayyappan Saranam. He shall continuously chant Saranam Ayyappa in mind, both at work and at home.
	He shall not hurt anybody verbally or physically.
	He shall treat all co-devotees as Lord Ayyappan himself and serve them in all the ways.
	He shall not feel proud of the respect and privileges he gets when he is wearing the holy mala. When others prostrate themselves on his feet he shall not feel proud but dedicate the same to Lord Ayyappan and say aloud 'Lord Save everybody for their faith in you'.
	He shall not cause inconvenience to his family members on account on observing the vritham.
	As he starts his vritham every year, he shall think that he is doing the same for first time and follow all the rules of the vritham strictly.
	He shall strictly follow brahmacharya (continence), refrain from sex, thinking of sex, develop passion against all women including his wife, and treat all women with motherly feeling.
	He shall not apply oil to his hair and shall not take bath with oil smeared over his body.
	He shall not attend any social function like birthdays, engagement, and wedding, etc. and shall feast in anyone's home who have not undertaken the vritham.
	He shall avoid being in the proximity of dead body and shall not eat anything till he bathes if he accidentally sees one.
	He shall always carry a tulsi leaf with him to prevent him from evil feeling and from Thitu.
	He shall not sleep on bed but on floor, he shall not use pillow but wooden block, he shall not use footwear but walk with bear feet.
	He shall totally surrender himself to Lord Ayyappa.

One should remember that the grace and power of Sabarimala increases and reflects back by observing the above rules strictly

Bus Services to Sabarimala (Pamba)

Bus Services are available from Kerala's many KSRTC Bus Stations.

Near Bus Stations are Erumely, Ponkunnam, Ranny, Pathanamthitta, Thiruvalla, Chenganoor, Kottayam, Changanasserry, Kumily, Munnar etc.

From Erumely Bus Services are available everytime.

Sabarimala's Nearest Airports & Railway Stations

Airports

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) - Trivandrum to Sabarimala 180 KM

Kochi - Kochi to Sabarimala 210 Km

Kozhikode - Calicut to Sabarimala 391 Km

Railway Stations

Kottayam - Kottayam to Sabarimala 90 KM

Thiruvalla - Thiruvalla to Sabarimala 75 Km

Chenganoor - Chenganoor to Sabarimala 80 Km

Distance Pampa to Sabarimala (Sannidhanam)

Pampa - Neelimala - Appachimedu - Sabaripeedom - Sannidhanam (Approx 7 Kms)

Three steep ascents are Azhutha Nadi to Inchiparakotta, Kariyilam Thodu to Karimala (on Erumeli - Pampa route) and Pampa- Neelimala (on the 7 Kms stretch from Pampa to Sannidhanam).

Pamba Feast

Pampa Feast :	Pampa Annadhanam (feast) and Pampa Vilakku are important rituals followed at the Pampa bank. Pilgrim groups prepare feast with the provisions taken from the Irumudi of the pilgrims. Thousands of pilgrims are fed at Pampa. When a group of pilgrims are ready to feed the fellow pilgrims they display a large papad outside their cottage. It is usually the kanniswamy who are fed first, as they are considered to be Lord Ayyappan himself. After the feast the Guru is honoured by pilgrims prostrating before him and offering him the Gurudakshina. Kanni Ayyappas move from kitchen to kitchen collecting the ashes which are considered to be very sacred. It is done with the belief that Lord Ayyappa would have had the feast in one of the cottages in the disguise of a pilgrim. The ash is taken home as prasad.
Pampa Vilakku :	At sunset the pilgrims believe that Lord Ayyappan will be present at the banks of Pampa and the cottages are decorated with lights and candles. Small floats are decorated with lights called Pampa Vilakku and are let in the Pampa river.
	The next morning after a dip in the cold Pampa river and performing pitru darpanam (offering to ones' departed soul) the pilgrims start their ascent towards the hill Neelimala after worshipping at the temple of Lord Ganapathi, Lord Rama (avathar of Balaji) and Lord Hanuman. On the foot of the Neeli hill is the representative of the King of Pandalam. The pilgrims offer their respects to the representative. After seeking the permission of the representative to visit the shrine of Lord Ayyappa they proceed with their journey. From here the Sannidhanam is about 6 km. The neeli hill is as difficult as the Azhutha and Karimala. The top of Neeli hill is called Appachi medu. Here there are two abysses - Appachi kuzhi and Ippachi kuzhi. Kanniswamys throw rice balls here to calm down the evil spirits present around the place. From this point the ground is almost even. Some distance from here is the Sabari peetam.
Sabari Peetam :	This was the Kota where Shri Sabari, in Sri Rama's era, performed Tapas. Pilgrims worship here breaking coconuts, firing crackers and lighting camphor.
Saramkuthi :	Half way between Sabari Peetam and Sannidhanam is Saramkuthi. Kanniswamy leave the wooden arrow they picked from Erumeli here.
Patinettampadi :	The holy Patinettampadi (18 steps) is 15 minute walk from Saramkuthi. The Golden steps is such a magnificent sight. Pilgrims chant saranams loudly. After breaking the coconut they climb the 18 steps to have the darshan of Lord Ayyappa

Easy Way to Sabarimala form Erumely

From Erumeli, there is about 38 km long route to reach the shrine. There are many pilgrim spots on its way. It covers the areas Karimkallumuzhi, Manipuzha, Mukkoottuthara, Pambavalley, Thulappally, Plappally, Kakkathodu, Nilakkal and Pampa River.

Erumely-Sabarimala Route (By Walk)

The Erumeli route is the hardest and longest trekking route (around 60 Km) to Sannidhanam and the route passes though forested hills. At Erumeli, there are shrines of Erumeli Sastha Temple and the Erumeli Muslim Mosque, popularly knows as Vavar Palli.

At Erumeli, there are the shrines of Erumeli Sastha Temple and the Vavar Palli (Erumeli Mosque).

From Erumeli, there is about 50 km long trekking route through forested hills to reach the shrine. There are many pilgrim spots on its way. It covers the areas Perur Thodu, Kalaketti, Azhutha, Kallidumkunnu, Inchipparakota, Mukkuzhi, Kariyilam Thodu, Karimala, Periya / Valiya Annai Vattam, Seriya Annai Vattam and Pampa River.

After reaching Pamba, the 6 km trek up to the Sabarimala shrine culminates in the Pathinettam Padi.

Major Stops in Routes

1	Erumeli	It is about 56 km from Kottayam. There are shrines for Lord Dharmasastha and Vavar Swamy (the Muslim lieutenant of Lord Ayyappa). The first timers to Sabarimala, called Kanniswamy, perform pettatullal. Pettatullal is painting the face with colours and dancing with wooden weapons to make one look odd. The essence of this practice is to give up ones' ego and surrender to Lord Ayyappa. They go round the Ayyappan Temple and Vavar Shrine and later bathe in the river. Then the temple is visited again to seek authorization from Lord Ayyappa to tread the sacred hill Sabari. Later the pilgrims leave Erumeli under the guidance of their Guru for Sannidhanam.
2	Perur Thodu	It is a river about 4 km from Erumeli. Lord Ayyappa rested here during his expedition. It is from here the rise begins. Giving alms here is important. By giving alms, one is disposing of all dharma and seeking asylum in Ayyappa. The forest beyond Perur Thodu is poongavanam (Ayyappan's garden).
3.	Kaalaketi	About 10 km from Perur Thodu is Kalaketti. The legend says that Lord Shiva, Ayyappa's father, came on his ox and tied it here and witnessed Lord Ayyappa killing Mahishi. There is a shrine where the pilgrims light camphor and break coconuts.
4.	Azhutha	Azhutha river, a tributary of Pampa, is about 2 kms from Kalaketti. On the far side of the river is the steep Azhutha hill, famous for its arduous track. In the 2 km of steep ascent there is hardly anyone who does not shed tears. At the summit of Azhutha is Kallidumkunnu. The pilgrims drop the pebble taken by them from Azhutha river here. This is done as the mortal remains of Mahishi was cast off from here and filled with stones.
5.	Azhutha River
6.	Kallidumkunnu
7.	Inchipparakota	The next important place is the Inchipparakota where there is Kotayil Sastha shrine. Pilgrims offer prayers here and break coconuts. From here the pilgrims descent the slippery path carefully. The descent ends at Karimala thodu (canal) with Azhutha hill on one side and Karimala hill on the other. Pilgrims rest here for a while.
8.	Mukkuli
9.	Kariyilam Thodu
10.	Karimalai	Karimala is the abode of elephants which visits the Karimala canal to drink water. Pilgrims light the aazhi (campfire) to protect themselves from wild animals and cold weather. Karimala hill consists of seven levels and is climbed in stages. As the ascent of 5 km is difficult the pilgrims continuously chant saranams. On top of Karimala the terrain is flat suitable for the pilgrims to rest. It is interesting to see the Nazhikkinar - a well within a well with fresh spring like water. Prayers are then offered to Karimalanthan, Kochukaduthaswami and Bhagawathi, all deities. From here after the exhausting descent one reaches the Pampa river that is about 5 kms.
11.	Periya Annai Vattam
12.	Seriya Annai Vattam
13.	Pampa Nadi	Pampa is the most important and holy spot on the way to Sannidhanam. It is here that Lord Ayyappa was found by King Rajasekara. The Pampa river is as holy as the Ganges. The Pampa water purifies one from curse and evil.

Distance Erumeli to Pampa

Erumeli - Kaalaketti - 11Kms

Kaalaketti - Azhutha - 2.5 Kms approx

Azhutha River - Pampa - 37 Kms approx

Peroor Thodu - Irumboonikara - 3 Kms (Forest starts from Irumbooni Kara)

Irumboonikara - Arasumdi Kotta - 3 Kms approx