Set deep in the Periyar Tiger Reserve forest, the shrine's origins are linked to the legend of Ayyappa, son of Shiva and Mohini (Vishnu's female form), with pilgrimage traditions codified over centuries.
Famed for the 41-day vratham (austerity vow) pilgrims undertake before the climb, and the mystical Makara Jyothi sighted on Makara Sankranti.
Nearest airport: Cochin International. Nearest railway station: Chengannur, followed by road to Pamba and a forest trek to the shrine.
Pilgrim lodges at Pamba and Nilakkal run by the Devaswom Board; hotels in Erumeli and Chengannur for the approach stretch.
Official site: sabarimalaonline.org (Travancore Devaswom Board)
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