Sabarimala is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage centers not only India but the entire world. It is located in the Western Ghats, in the state of Kerala. Each year, this holy place is visited by about 45-50 million people.

Sabarimala is considered to be the greatest place where the Hindu god Ayappa (Ayappa) meditated after battle won a powerful demon in a woman's appearance Mahisha. Ayappy Temple is located on one of the 18 peaks in the area, at an altitude of 468 meters above sea level, among the mountains and forests. On the other vertices they were also built temples, some still in effect.

Temple Ayappy only men are allowed to visit. Women of childbearing age, from 10 to 50 years, there will not be permitted. This is due to the fact that Ayappa considered "blameless", have adopted celibacy, god monk. All who wish to visit the temple must first implement vratham - the original 41-day fast, which the pilgrims commemorate the beginning, putting "small" - a garland of wooden beads for rosaries. Also during this period it is expected refusal of food of animal origin (except milk products), tobacco, alcohol. Besides forbidden to use profanity, given to carnal pleasures, get a haircut and shave. Traditionally during vratham men dressed in clothes of black, blue or saffron flower, washed 2 times a day and regularly pray in the temple.

The temple is Ayappy mountain trail, length of which is about 52 km away, and the people believe that he Ayappa up on it. Therefore, to make climbing it is considered especially honorable.

To date it is not known exactly when was the Sabarimala pilgrimage. But after the construction of the temple is the place was virtually forgotten. His newly "discovered" one of the three local rulers a century later. In 1950, the temple was destroyed and burned by some antisocial groups. But in 1971 it completely restored.