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Sabarimala Temple
Situated at a top of virtually a thousand meters above sea stage on the Sahyadri
ranges in Western Ghats, lies one of the vital shrines of India identified by
the identify of Sabarimala. The Sabarimala temple of Kerala is devoted to Lord
Ayyappa, who is said to have meditated here after killing the demon Mahishi.
Some legends additionally say that Parashuram, who created Kerala, installed the
idol of Lord Ayyappa and worshipped him. The Sabarimala pilgrimage attracts
1000's of devotees from throughout India in the course of the peak season of
November to January.
Not everyone can take a tour to Sabarimala Kerala. One wants to watch strict
self-discipline like abstinence from alcohol, smoking and different comforts of
life. You might be supposed to guide life like an ascetic for forty one days
before embarking on the journey to Sabarimala. Ladies between the ages of 10-50
are not allowed to go on this pilgrimage. The pilgrimage is open to all
regardless of caste, creed and religion. It units an ideal instance of
harmonious co-existence of various religions and sects. Everyone seems to be a
devotee of the Lord, not Hindu, Muslim or Christian. Earlier than reaching the
temple (mandir), everybody is meant to worship a shrine that's devoted to a
Muslim saint.
The temple is reached by climbing a flight of 18 steps lined in gold. These 18
steps signify totally different aspects of human nature like intelligence,
anger, the 5 senses, etc. One who crosses these 18 steps is alleged to have
attained "Punyadarshanam". In January yearly, hundreds of devotees gather at
Sabarimala to view the "Makaravilaku" or divine flame that is visible throughout
one particular day of the Makara star. When dusk falls, a small flame arises in
a distance, between two hills simply reverse the temple. The temple (mandir)
comes alive with the praises of the Lord filling the air.
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