AYYAPPA
A well-known pilgrim centre in the rugged terrain of the Western Ghats, this temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Sabarimala is surrounded by hazardous hills like Karimala and Neelimala. The devotees known as Ayyappas negotiate the hills to reach the shrine after undergoing 41 days of vrutham (self-imposed devotional penance). The pilgrimage season, viz.Mandala Pooja and, Makaravilakku comes between the latter half of November and the first half of January, every year. Ablution in River Pamba is considered as holy as a dip in the Ganga. The presence of Ayyappa's lieutenant Vavar makes this esteemed pilgrim centre a model of communal harmony and casteless ness. Vehicular traffic cannot go beyond Pamba and the last 5 km to the shrine can be reached only by trekking. Women aged between 12 and 50 are not allowed inside the shrine. 
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