Sabarimala Trek
Sabarimala Trek is an important trek route to Sannidhanam, the abode of Ayyappan. It covers a distance of about through the mountainous terrains and thick forests which are inhabited by many wild animals. It is believed that Ayyappa used this path in his expedition to kill Mahishi, a demoness. Even now, many pilgrims heading towards Sabarimala use this route, especially the pilgrims from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Important stops on way to Pamba
Erumely
This is the starting point of the trek. Most devotees visit the mosque/mausoleum of Vavar Swamy situated in Erumely. It is believed that Vavar swamy protects devotees travelling through the Erumely pathway.Peroorthodu
Peroorthodu is a stream-crossing as well as the first stop on this path, almost from Erumely. Devotees often bathe here and the Kanniayyappas offers "Malarpodi" and "Aripodi" before their journey. This spot is where Lord Ayyappa is said to have rested during his travels and marks the beginning of the climb to Sabarimala hills. Pilgrims perform a ritual here by giving alms to symbolize seeking refuge in Ayyappa. The forest just beyond, called Poongavanam, is revered as 'Ayyappa's garden'.Kalaketty
is situated about from Perurthodu. According to legend, Kalaketty is the spot where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati waited for Ayyappan after he defeated Mahishi. It is believed that Nandi, was tied to an Anjili tree at this location, which is how the area reportedly got its name. There is a shrine dedicated to Shiva-Parvati.Azhutha
Azhutha, a tributary of Pamba River is just from Kalaketty. In Sanskrit, Azhutha is termed as Alamba. Pilgrims have facilities to take rest here. The Kalaketti Siva temple, is an ancient shrine located here and is administered by the Mala Araya community, who has also the administrative controls of Kalaketty, Inchippara and Mukkuzhy temples. The far river side is known as the "Azhutha medu" which is a steep slope.The pilgrims take a dip from the river and pick up a pebble.
Kallidamkunnu
The steep Azhutha medu ends at the summit Kallidamkunnu. As part of the customs, the devotees take a pebble from Azhutha river which they drop at Kallidamkunnu to cover the remains of Mahishi. It is believed that Mahishi’s mortal remains were discarded here and subsequently covered with stones. It is also interpretated that the pebbles as representing the pilgrims’ past sins, which they leave behind at this site. Devotees also burns a camphor here before their journey.Inchipparakotta
This is the site where Karuppa Swami’s, lieutenants of Ayyapan and Udayan’s bands of thieves clashed in battle. It is also where Puthusseri Mundan, an aide of Udayan, was slain by Lord Ayyappa’s army.The place got its name due to the presence of a fort built by Udaya. There is a temple here named Kottayil Sastha temple, dedicated to the Inchippara moopan, the guardian of the sacred forests.
Mukkuzhy
Mukkuzhy is situated at a valley. It is the place where Ayyappan and his army rested. There are 2 temples her- one dedicated to Shastha and another to Bhagavathi. The temple dedicated to Bhagavathi is administrated by the 'Malayaraya Mahasabha'. Devotees who are tired and unable to continue trekking can and should get help here. It is near to Kuzhimavu bus stand in Koruthodu Panchayat and connected by a concrete road. From Kuzhimavu, buses and taxis are available to Pamba/Sabarimala. Frequent buses are available from Kuzhimavu to Mundakayam.Karimala
Upon leaving Mukkuzhy, pilgrims must cross the Kariyilamthodu stream before beginning the steep ascent of Karimala. Karimala is a hazardous point on the trail which is inhabited by many elephants. Pilgrims will have to cross eight levels in Karimala hill to reach its summit. Here, devotees often lights fire to escape from the wild animals and cold. There is a Nazhikkinar here known for its fresh water. They pray at the temple there and offer their prayers to Karimalanathan, Karimala Bhagavathy and Kochu Kadutha for a risk-free journey.Near to the temple is the tomb of Karimala Arayan, who is believed to be the first priest of Sabarimala temple. He is also believed to be the person who put foundation stone for the Sabarimala temple.
Valiyanavattom & Cheriyanavattom
The steep Karimala hill ends at Valiyanavattom which is the abode of wild elephants. This spot offers good facilities, allowing devotees to rest and relax before resuming their trek. The next halt on the journey is Cheriyaanavattom, located along the banks of the Pamba river.Important stops from Pamba to Main temple
Pamba River & Triveni
The Pamba River is one of the most important stop in the Sabarimala pilgrimage. It is believed that as the river flows along the foothills of the Neelimala, it bows at the feet of Lord Ayyappa. A ritual bath in its sacred waters is considered essential before beginning the arduous trek to the shrine, as devotees believe the river washes away sins accumulated over this and previous births and grants salvation. At Triveni, where the Pamba meets the Kallar and Njunungar rivers, the confluence is believed to further sanctify its waters. After that devotees pray at Pamba Ganapathy temple and break coconut there to avoid any obstacle on the upcoming trekking spots. Then the pilgrims pray at a shrine dedicated to the Pandalam king who was the father of Ayyappa.According to tradition, the offering rituals performed in the Pamba reenact the last rites conducted by Lord Ayyappa for the warriors who laid down their lives fighting the Marava army at Triveni. Another widely held belief recounts that the King of Pandalam, Rajasekhara, discovered the abandoned infant Manikandan—later known as Lord Ayyappa—on the banks of the Pamba.