Located in the Western Ghats of Pathanamthitta District in Kerala, Sabarimala is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. Probably, the world’s largest annual pilgrimage, it is visited by around 50 million devotees each year. It is believed that Sabarimala is the place where Ayappan, one of the Hindu Gods meditated after he killed Mahishi, the powerful female demons. Ayyappan temple, set amidst 18 hills and temples, is located at an altitude of 1535 feet above the sea level.
This Hindu pilgrimage is mainly for men of all ages who during the pilgrimage wear black or blue dress. These men do not shave till they complete the pilgrimage and smear Vibhuti or Sandal paste on their forehead. Women between the age group of 10- 50 years are not allowed inside the temple, since as per the story, Lord Ayyappa is a Celibate, women in the menstrual age group are prohibited.
