Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 162

Sabarimala
Situated at an altitude of 914 meters,
the temple is dedicated to Sree Ayyappa

Sabarimala: (Nearest railway station-Thiruvalla 102 km 65 km from
Pathanamthitta, 180 km from Thiruvanananthapuram and 210 km from
Kochi) Pilgrim Season - November to Mid January. One of the most famous
pilgrim centres in India, Sabarimala is situated on the mountain ranges
of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 914 mts above sea level and is
accessible only by foot from Pamba (4 km). The temple is dedicated to
Sree Ayyappa. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the two main events
of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year
except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu.
People of all casts and creeds are permitted into the temple. However,
entry in not allowed to women between 10 and 50 years old.
Maramon: Maramon attracts one of the largest crowds of religious
gettogethers of the world. Situated near Kozhancheri Maramon is the venue
of this mammoth religious convention. The convention is attended by people of all communities. It may be the largest Christian convention of Asia.
Usually held in February this convention is addressed by philosophers,
religious thinkers and Christian scholars from across the world.
Kaviyoor: Kaviyoor is renowned for its temples. Kaviyoor Mahadeva temple which was constructed in the 10th century is considered as one of the
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PATHANAMTHITTA|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS