Puthensabarimala Temple
Puthen Sabarimala literally means new Sabarimala. When one hears the name of the temple one will initially come under the impression that it is the newer carbon copy of Sabarimala temple, but it is far from that. Since it was last renovated in 1999, it was called Puthen Sabarimala, and there ends the newness of the word associated with the temple.
Puthen Sabarimala shrine is a carbon copy of Sabarimala temple in nearly all respects. Its rituals, rules and regulations, particularly the opening and closing dates are similar to Sabarimala Temple. The temple has a granite pathinettampadi finished in 'Krishna Shila' which can be ascended only with 41 days vritham and irumudi. Although it bears a striking similarity to Sabarimala temple in most aspects, it is strikingly different from Sabarimala in one aspect. Ladies of all ages are allowed entry especially through the northern gates if they cannot observe the mandatory 41 days vritham and ascend the pathinettampadi. All those devotees who have observed vritham for a lower number of days than the mandatory 41, are allowed Ayyappa darshan via the northern gates. During Makaravilakku, the symbolic makara jyoti is lit here also.
At one point of time, the area where the present temple stands was part of dense forests, where hermitages of rishis existed. The story of Manikandan going in search of tigress' milk is legendary. During the course of His trek into the forests, Manikandan happened to reach the place where the present temple stands. Since it was was already dusk, and the Lord was tired He opted to stay in one of the hermitages.Soon after the Lord got darshan of Lord Shiva, who advised Him as to what was to be done.Later due to the grace and blessings of Lord Shiva Manikandan was able to successfully execute the almost impossible task undertaken by Him.The Rishis of the place realising the greatness of Manikanda Perumal built a temple at the spot where Lord Shiva gave darshanam to Manikandan, and this is the temple which we call Puthen Sabarimala.Initially padukas of Manikandan were consecrated inside the sanctum for worship. Years later this temple was gutted in a devastating fire, and another one was built in its place.
Location
Thadiyoor
Main Deity
Lord Ayyappa
Other Deities
Lord Ganesha, Malikappurathamma, Vavaruswami, Karuppanswamy, Karuppai Amma, Valiyakatutswamy, Yakshi and Serpent deity.
Festivals
The festival of Makaravilakku is celebrated for 10 days.
Main Offerings
Neyabhishekam, Aravana and Appam
How To Reach
By Air: Thiruvanathapuram International Airport is situated 126 KM from the temple.
By Rail: Chengennnur Railway Station is situated 21.1 KM from the Temple.
By Road: Chengennnur KSRTC Bus Stand is situated 20.4 KM from the Temple.