Lord Ayyappa, also known as Manikandan, is a significant deity in Hinduism, particularly in South India. He is believed to be the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini, a form of Lord Vishnu, and was born to defeat a demon named Mahishi. Lord Ayyappa is known for his celibacy and strict guidelines for leading a virtuous life. Many people visit Sabarimala Temple in Kerala to get his blessings, especially during Mandala season. He is viewed as a courageous, compassionate, and just god.
The Sabarisharanashramam is a charitable organization dedicated to promoting the teachings and values of Lord Ayyappa. They offer various services such as free meals, medical camps, educational scholarships, and cultural events to assist the less fortunate and build stronger community ties. Additionally, they provide aid during natural disasters and to marginalized individuals, emphasizing the importance of philanthropy and service.
Sabarimala Sri Dharmashasta (Ayyappa) Temple is a renowned pilgrimage center in South India, nestled in the Western Ghats region of the peninsula. It is considered one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in the world, attracting over five crore devotees annually. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, the son of Harihara, a combination of Shiva and Vishnu
During the Mandal Vartha - Makara Vilaku Season, pilgrims flock to Sabarimala, affectionately known as Ayyappas and respectfully addressed as Swamis, travelling along the highways and railways of Kerala. With hearts full of devotion, pilgrims from around the globe, dressed in black, blue, or saffron attire and carrying the ‘Irumudikkettu’ on their heads, embark on long treks in groups to reach Sabarimala, the divine abode of Lord Ayyappa.
Perched atop a hill at an elevation of 1148 meters above sea level in the Sahya Mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, the holy shrine of Lord Ayyappa offers a spiritual sanctuary. Pilgrims traverse lofty mountain peaks and dense tropical forests to reach the Ayyappa Shrine at Sabarimala, named after the ancient tribal sage Sabari mentioned in the epic Ramayana. Each year, the number of pilgrims swells by millions, drawing devotees from all corners of India and abroad
Taking care of the Vanavasi brethren of Sabarimala Poonkavanam who are descendents of Sabarimatha is the duty of every Ayyappa devotee. Even though Sabarimala Temple is one of the prosperous among the leading Hindu Places of Worship world over, the Vanavasis of Poonkavanam live in pitiable conditions. Basic indicators of Human development like education, health care, sanitation, food, shelter etc are almost totally absent. Children are the maximum sufferers naturally. As per the available government sources and studies conducted by Sabari Sharanasramam, around 400 tribal families with a population of 3650 reside in the Poonkavanam and adjacent hilly terrains. And efforts by vested interest groups are going on in full swing to alienate these poor innocent people from their traditional culture and religion. Funds are flowing in that direction. Evidently, these efforts seem to be a well organized act to undermine the Sabarimala Temple itself. Sabari Sharanasramam is a registered public charitable trust headquartered at Koonamkara in an 18 acre plot. To propagate Ayyappa Dharma and provide basic comforts to the Ayyappas are the prime objectives. To enable this, proposed activities include establi-shment of Sabari Ashramam, Ayyappa Temple, Manikanda Gurukulam, Hospital,Ayyappa Museum,Gosala, Annadana Kendram, Organic Farming etc. At present our Annadana Kendram functions in a temporary structure. Active participation by Ayyappa Bhakthas is going to be the capital of this multi faceted project.
To take care of the tribal children of Poonkavanam by providing them with shelter, food, health care, education, entertainment etc. enabling them to become self-reliant and thereby strengthen their bonds with the society.
The Vanavasi brethren residing in Sabarimala Pumkavanam are descended from Sabari Mata herself. Bringing them up is the duty of every Swami Bhaktha. The Temple has revenue of crores annually. However, the Vanavasis in the neighborhood live in misery. Manikanda Gurukulam will be a shelter and Residential School for Sabarimala Vanavasi children. Initially, 200 children would be accommodated here. The colonies in Sabarimala forest (1) Siffan (2) Laha (3) Saippukudi (4) Chalakkayam (5) Attathodu (6) Vimmaram (7) Perumbanmmozhi...
Know MoreSince 2009, an Ayyappa Seva Kendra has been operating under the auspices of Sabari Saranashramam. This center provides free meals to over 2000 Ayyappa devotees daily, along with free accommodation and medical care throughout the pilgrimage season from November to January each year.
We have identified several projects for immediate implementation at Sabari Saranasramam. In the first phase, we plan to...
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The services and essential facilities available for pilgrims are currently inadequate. Pilgrims travelling to Pamba and Sabarimala in pursuit of Swami Ayyappa’s Darshan after a rigorous 41-day penance face significant challenges due to the lack of basic amenities for lodging, cooking, and personal hygiene. This situation must be addressed promptly. Basic necessities such as sanitation, vehicle parking, clean drinking water, hygienic food, accommodation, hospitals, waste disposal, and toilets must be provided to devotees...
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