Sabarimala Temple: History, Rituals & Women's Entry Issue

Updated on July 24, 2026Author:NEXT IAS Contributors

The Sabarimala is one of the largest pilgrimage sites in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. It lies in the dense forest of Periyar Tiger Reserve. This hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Sree Dharma Santha where the deity Lord Ayyappan is worshipped. The shrine is situated among the 18 hills of the western ghats. The devotees wear black or dark blue clothes to eliminate any type of economic or social status.

Historical Background of Sabarimala Temple

Sabarimala Temple is famous for the worship of Lord Ayyappa, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who is believed to be a celibate and an ascetic protector of Dharma.

S.No.	Aspect	Historical Context
1	Mythological origin	Sabarimala is associated with Lord Ayyappa. He is believed to be the son of Shiva and Vishnu (Mohini avatar) who chose the hill shrine as his abode.
2	Royal patronage	The temple is linked to the Pandalam royal family which is the custodian of Lord Ayyappa and the shrine.
3	Early formation	The historical accounts mentioned the temple's origin in the medieval period. It became prominent between the 12th and 15th centuries.
4	Tribal and regional roots	The shrine reflects a mix of Hindu, tribal, and local traditions. It links to the Mala Araya community as early custodians.
5	Pilgrimage development	Until the mid-20th century, Sabarimala was not a major pilgrimage centre. It gained wider prominence later with increasing annual footfall.
6	Rebuilding phase	The temple was rebuilt after an arson attack in 1950.
7	Modern prominence	By the late 20th century, Sabarimala had become one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world.

Rituals and Temple Practices

The rituals of Sabarimala temple resemble the asceticism and discipline associated with the religion of this temple.
Those who come here have to observe strict vows of purity and abstinence before entering the temple. The rituals of the temple include prayers, offerings, and ritualistic discipline.
The pilgrims generally dress modestly, refrain from eating non-vegetarian food, and lead a life of moderation during the period of their pilgrimage. This sanctity of the temple is further emphasized by the traditions of renouncing all the earthly temptations.
The pilgrimage is about going to a temple and a religious experience that includes the elements of austerity, endurance, and faith.

The 41 days Fast and Pilgrimage Process

One of the key aspects of the pilgrimage to Sabarimala is the 41 days of vratham undertaken by the devotees before going on the pilgrimage.
In this period, the pilgrim is supposed to lead a disciplined life of celibacy, simple vegetarian food, smoking, and drinking. This is an important part of the preparation for the arduous journey.
The pilgrims visit the temple trekking a large distance via forested and hilly regions. The journey itself acts as part of the spiritual practice, representing humility and devotion to the lord.
In addition, it is common for pilgrims to take the 'Irumudi kettu', which is a bag used during the worship process and follow a rigid procedure.
It is due to such strict practices that Sabarimala pilgrimage is known as one of the most unique pilgrimages in India.

Women's Entry Issue and Social Background

The entry of women at Sabarimala emerged from the long-standing practice of excluding women who menstruate, ranging from around 10 to 50 years old.
It was argued that the practice is based on the celibacy of the deity worshipped at the temple. It was seen by the people as discriminatory and against the constitutional ideals of the nation.
The judgment of the Supreme Court in 2018 ruled the ban of women on temple entry as unconstitutional. However, this dispute involved broader social issues such as patriarchy, religious traditions, physical autonomy, and the issue of reform within contemporary India.
Social reactions included demonstrations, appeals to courts, and heated debates in the political and religious arenas and civil societies.

Gender Equality Vs Religious Freedom

The Sabarimala issue is basically an issue of conflict between gender equality and freedom of religion. Some people believe that the restriction on the entry of women of certain ages amounts to violation of Articles 14, 15, and 25 of the Indian constitution. The other school of thought believes that Article 25 protects the freedom of religion.
While the Supreme Court ruling in 2018 stressed on the constitutional morality and equality of women to practice their religion, it is also clear from the ongoing controversy that laws alone cannot be used to solve such issues of faith, identity, and reform.