One of the most important pilgrim centres in south India, Sabarimala is the shrine of Lord Ayyapa in the Neelimalai mountains. The pilgim centre is open for the first five days of all months of Malayalam calendar and for the Mandala pooja season that begins in November and culminates in Makaravilakku festival in January. The temple is open only to men and little girls and old women. Other women are barred entry. The shrine is located at about 914m above sea level in the dense forests. Pilgrims from different religions visit the temple. The main deity Ayyappa is believed to be the son born of union of Mohini (Vishnu’s female form) and Lord Shiva. The trek from Pampa river to Sannidhanam where the temple is 4 kms uphill. People use a longer trek approach too from Erumeli. The devout walk with coconuts filled with ghee, rice and other offerings. A pilgrim has to abstain from non vegetarian food and sex. Hair and beard are grown long and they wear black or blue wear living the life of a monk. Smaller shrines on the way are as important as the main one
