Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.667

c9.667

ŚABARIMALA (ŚABARI MOUNTAIN). A sacred place in South India in the eastern region of Kerala on a mountain called Śabarimala. It is not quite certain whether the name of this mountain is in any way related to Śabarī, to whom Śrī Rāma had given salvation. At any rate a very ancient temple with Śāstā as the presiding deity therein is found at Śabarimala today. It is proof positive of the great sanctity attached to the ancient temple that every year lakhs of devotees from all parts of India visit it braving dense forests, mountains and wild beasts on their way. Historical evidence about the origin of the temple or its philosophical importance is sparse, but there is a legend, more illuminating than facts of history, about Śāstā (Ayyappan) the deity installed in the temple. The legend is as follows—