Pathanamthitta

Rituals

The temple is unique with several unique customs and traditions to followed. On one hand, the temple is highly liberal and secular, by allowing pilgrims without barriers of caste, creed, religion, colour etc, whereas on other hand few customs are restrictive, such as women pilgrims above age 12 and below age 50 cannot enter the complex

The temple known for its strict ascetic procedures and all devotees conducting pilgrimage are required to adopt ascetic lifestyle before climbing the hill

Abstain

from drinking, smoking, chewing considering all these are bad habits, for a period of atleast a week before climbing the hill rock. Abstain from consuming any non-vegetarian food as well as any kind of food that contains roots of plants. Food must be consumed only after bathing and praying. Only limited quantity of food can be consumed.

Refrain

from sex, shaving beards, cutting hair and using luxury pleasures such as perfumes, scents, silk clothes, shoes etc. Devotees are required to wear either black or saffron colour costumes, as a token of renouncing worldly materials

Prior to taking decision to go for pilgrimage, devotees are required to vow that he will refrain from committing any fraudlent activity, will engage in social service maximum he can and uphold the principles of Dharma

Once a vow is taken, he must wear a string of beads as a symbol of his vow, which must worn till he descend the hill ranges of Sabarimala

Before proceeding to Sabarimala, he must visit maximum temples, churches and mosques possible, praying for removing his sins, followed by visiting nearby main temple, where he is required to prepare Irrumudi-Kettu. Irrumudi Kettu is mandatory for all pilgrims visiting Sabarimala, which is a bag containing a coconut filled with ghee, puja materials, rice and banana which will be folded into two halves and carried on head. The bag must be on head while walking and must not kept on ground. It can be kept in sacred place near lamp on a raised platform, but while trekking, it must be on-head all the times and cannot be opened until reaching Sannidhanam

During the entire pilgrimage, wearing any kind of foot wear is prohibited as well as sleeping on bed as token of austerity.

While the coconuts must be broken at the Giant fire pit, other items of Irrumudi-Kettu must be deposited inside main temple.

First time visitors must dance in traditional tunes. All devotees must chant "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" as token of devotion

Every other person when met other Sabarimala, is referred as Ayyappa and must not be called in his or her name. This is because of traditional concept of temple Aham Brahmaswamu- Iam the God, where each individual is believed to have godly presence

As the temple is located within a dense forest, maximum care must be given to protect local flora and fauna. No one is allowed to pluck even a leaf inside the forest, which is believed to be the Garden of Ayyappa and against the rituals. Likewise wild elephants are common in the forests. Its illegal to harm them or their dwelling style with any kind of fire-arms.

Check with local tourism office or Ayyappa Seva offices to know about rituals, pooja timings etc