SABARIMALA

The place, located on the Western Ghat in Kerala, gets its name from mother Sabari who lived in this hill during the time of Lord Ram. Nearest railway stations are Kottayam and Chengannur and from there by bus to Pampa.

Sabari Peedam temple

This temple is dedicated to the memory mother Sabari. Pilgrims worship here breaking coconuts, firing crackers and lighting camphor.
Story - Mathanga Rishi lived in a hermit in the Mathanga mountain forest area. One of his disciples was an young lady named Sabari. She was very much devoted to Lord Brahma. She used to help the sage by fetching water, cleaning the places and then would listen to the stories of Lord Rama, as the sage daily narrated to his disciples.This made Sabari to have a longing to see Lord Rama and to serve him. Days passed on, Mathanga rishi and his diciples had a darshan of Lord Brahma whom they were chanting and meditating daily. Lord Brahma took them all to Brahma Loka to attain his lotus feet. All of them left with Lord Brahma, except Sabari. She said she will wait for Sree Rama to come to her. Years passed by she grew old and pale. Her eyesight got dim. After waiting for years, Sabari saw Sree Rama and his brother Lakshmana. Sabari was filled with happiness and was emotional. She made them to sit and offered the fruits she had already collected by tasting them one by one and then offering Rama and Lakshmana. Though the act was funny, Rama could realise the real affection and devotion of Sabari. Lord Brahma appeared there and told Sabari that her desire was fulfilled and from that day this place will become famous and welknown as SabariMala, where Lord Ayyappa will have a Temple and bless his devotees. Pilgrims would visit and remember Sabari during their pilgrimage and pay due respect to mother Sabari at Sabari Peedam.