Located on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats at a height of 914 from sea level, Sabarimala is one of the most popular pilgrim centers in South India. Sabarimala temple is dedicated to Sri Ayyappa. Legend says that Sabarimala is the place where Lord Ayyappan sat on meditation after killing Mahishi, a demoness in Hindu epics. The temple opens early in November and closes by mid-January. The temple is closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during the Malayalam New Year. On the day of 'Makaravilakku’, lakhs of devotees reach at Sabarimala temple to get a glimpse of Makarajyothi. Sabarimala is situated about 72 km from Pathanamthitta.
