SABARIMALA

Abstract

            The Ayappa temple on Sabarimala in the mountains of central Kerala (Idukki district) enshrines a divinity whose worship has been gaining in popular tremendously in many parts of India so that the annual pilgrimage, in January has become a great occasion. While Scholars puzzle themselves in trying to trace the origins of the cult and offer a number of explanations the devout have the simple and satisfying faith that the Lord is Dharma Sastha come into the world to rid it of evil and protect the good.