Panchatheertha Adi Parasakthi Devasthanam
Anchukuzhi, Erumeli,
Kerala,
India
Sabarimala Pilgrimage -
Frquently
asked questions
1) Am I allowed to wear shoes / chappals or other foot wear to
protect
the feet?
Yes. There are no restrictions. However some people avoid foot wear
after Pampa as you reach the final hills. You could carry them on
the
back pack.
2) Where do we sleep in the nights?
All halts are only at temples. Please see some of the temples on the
way answered later. You are mostly your own. Hence include blankets
in
the back pack.
3) What kind of clothing is permitted?
Very light black or blue colored shirts / dhothi or pants. Carry
very
light and only two pairs.
4) What would be the temperature on the way?
Day times can go up to 30 degree celcious (86oF) and
nights
could drop down to 8 oC degrees (46oF) on the
mountains
5) What is the elevations of the temple?
Sabarimala is around 1260 Metres (4135 ft). Karimala could be about
200
feet higher
6) Do we encounter wild animals on the way?
Usually we sight only harmless monkeys or snakes on the way.
7) What kind of protection do we need in forests?
Devotion is the first elemant of protection. Nothing distracts a
devoted mind. Mosquito repellents and other general first aid is a
good
thing to carry. Blisters usually develop on feet if you are not used
to
walking long distances. Amrut
Malam, commonly found in medical shops gives immediate relief.
8) What kind of facilities are available on the way? What
preperations
do I need to take? Can I show up with nothing in hand?
Moderate facilities exist in the temples. On the mountains, you are
your own. You definitely need to take care of your personal needs
like
prescribed medicines and clothes etc. However all pooja /
pilgrimage related items like irumudi keettu and coconuts will be
made
available at the kettunirackal. Please inform the coordinators in
advance if you need any specific arrangements.
9) What are the temples visited on the way?
Some of the temples visited on the way are as follows. Please
remember
that the group leader might determine alternate routes dynamically.
- Vasudevapuram Templ, Perunnai, Changanacherry West
- Panachikkavu Devi Templ, Perunnai, Changanacherry West
- Perunnai Subrahmanya Swami Temple
- Thengana Mahadevar Temple
- Karukachal Ayyappa Swami Temple
- Nedumkunnam Devi Temple
- Nedumkunnam Sridharmasastra temple
- Kangazha Mahadeva Temple
- Kadayinikkadu Devi Temple
- Manimala Ayyppa Swami Temple
- Karikattoor Dharmasastha Temple
- Poovan Para Mala deviation
- Poovan Paramala Temple
- Anchukuzhi / Panchatheertha Parasakthi Devasthanam
- Erumeli Ayyappa Temple
- Irumpoonnikkara
- Koyikka kkavu
- Kalaketty
- Aanakkallu
- Moozhikkal sankara narayana kshetram
- Mukkuzhi Temple
- Pampa
- Sannidhanam
10) How do we get food on the way?
Food will be arranged on the way. Usually offered by devotees in the
initial days, group cooking is a common theme in the forest
11) What are the restrictions?
Strict penance during the 41 days preceeding the trip.
12) Medical help?
There are hospitals and medical stores / pharmacies on the way.
However
please be sure to carry the regular medicines that you need.
13) Are cameras and cell phones permitted?
There are no restrictions. However electronic gear can get damaged
if
it rains on the way. Cell phones are strongly discouraged as it will
bring you back to "Samsara" - the real and transactional world. What
is
the point in walking towards Sayoojya with mind completely embedded
in
samsara? It is better to practice chanting Sharana Mantram
(Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa) all along.
14) How much distance will we cover?
Depending on the route, it could be 120 to 140 kilometers one way.
Return is by car / other means of public transport.
15) What if I am not able to wear mala 41 days before the trip?
Many of the pilgrims from abroad and distant places encounter this.
You
can wear the mala at the earliest convenience from your home, local
temple or guru.
16) Are the trip conducted entirely through forest routes?
Not really. Fast disappearing forest routes start only on the fifth
day.
17) Am I allowed to take a break during the pilgrimage and go else
where?
Usually people do not do that. According to the tradition, one
starts
the journey with out looking back at friends and relatives, no bye
bye
sessions and do not think about anything else other than lord for
the
next seven or eight days.
18) How are poojas conducted at Sannidhanam? How much money do I
need
to carry?
Group leadership takes care of all poojas at Sannidhanam. Group
costs
will be in the two to three thousands range which is usually given
to
the group coordinator up front. Individual contributions in each of
the
temples are up to the individual. Howeer it is a safer practice not
to
carry too much of cash in these trips.