Narayan Ravi - Mumbai

Ayyappa

Swami's Poongavanam & Sabari Peetham.

Perur Thodu is a small river that flows some distance (4 km approx) beyond Erumeli, the gateway to Sabarimala. It is said that Lord Ayyappa rested here a while before proceeding on His journey into the forest. The thick forested region beyond Perur Thodu is called Swamiyude Poongavanam (The Lord's own garden).

There are 18 hills in this huge forested region, each having its own importance. Foremost among these is Sabarimala. Following are the names of the 18 hills:

1) Ponnambalamedu

2) Goudan Mamala

3) Sundara Mamala

4) Naga Mala

5) Injiparakotta Mala

6) Karimala

7) Mayilaadum Mamala

8) Chittambalamala

9) Sripadamala

10) Puthusseri Mala

11) Matanga Mala

12) Khalgi Mala

13) Nilakkal Shivamala

14) Thalappara Mala

15) Devar Mala

16) Kalaketti Mala

17) Neelimala

18) Sabarimala

Temples exist on each of these 18 hills, some of which are still functional today, while remnants of others can be found.

Sabari Peetham, which one comes across during the last leg of the yatra, is the place where the great woman saint Sabari of Ramayana meditated for centuries on end. Sabari was blessed by Lord Rama during Tretayuga, when He visited Her hermitage & relishingly ate the half eaten fruits offered by Sabari with all her love & devotion (she tasted each fruit to ensure that it was tasty enough for the Lord to eat). Sabari was blessed by Lord Dharmasastha with salvation. This Sabari Peetham is the spot that Sabari made holy with her prayer & penance. The hill on which Sabari Peetham is located is reverently known as Sabarimala - the hill of Sabari, in her memory & was chosen personally by Lord Ayyappa as the location of His temple.

May Sabarishaila-nivasa (the one who dwells on the Sabari hill) bless one and all

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa