Sabarimala - Historicity of The Ayyappa Temple

Historicity of The Ayyappa Temple

There is no clear evidence as to when the pilgrimage to Sabarimala began. After the installation of the temple, it was mostly unreachable for about three centuries. One of the kings in a later generation rediscovered the original path to reach Sabarimala. He had many followers with him, including the descendants of the Vavar family. They refreshed their resources at Erumely and this marked the beginning of the famous Petta Thullal at Erumely. They laid down their arms at the place today known as Saramkuthy. Those who are on their maiden visits to Sabarimala thrust arrows at this place. The temple was then renovated. In 1821 AD, the kingdom of Pandalam was added to Travancore. 48 major temples including the Sabarimala temple were also added to Travancore. The idol was erected in 1910 .In 1950, unidentified persons destroyed the temple by breaking the 'Sri-kovil' and the main idol of worship, and set fire to the temple. The temple also conflagrated in 1971 and underwent a major revamping.