For centuries, Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta has been a major pilgrim centre attracting lakhs of devotees to Kerala from all over India, more so from southern States. The presiding deity is Lord Ayyappa known as Dharma Sastha, a considered symbol of unity between Vaishnavites and Saivites. Darma Sastha is believed to have fulfilled his mission in life and rejoined his Supreme Self, enshrined at Sabarimala.

The temple is tucked away in the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats and can be reached only by foot. Pilgrims have to traipse through the narrow tracks in thick forests infested with wild animals.

Pilgrims to Sabarimala is seasonal (November to January). This marks an important festival of Kerala. Those wishing to perform pilgrimage have to undergo forty-one day's penance consisting of strict celibacy, daily ablutions and daily prayers. Early mornings and evenings in the festival season Kerala villagers will be reverberating with dedication calls of Ayyappa devotees. The festival mood reaches its crescendo on Makara Vilaku day (January 14, the most important day in the festival). The day is in sync with the day of Sankramom (crossing of the sun from Dhakshinayana to the Uttarayana).

On the said day, lakhs of pilgrims (each one called an Ayyappa) flock the shrine for worship. On that evening they descry Makara Vilakku, appearance of a strange light in the distant hill indicating the presence of God and return ennobled and strengthened in spirit.

Situated close by is a shrine in the name of Vavar, a Muslim, who was thought to be a close aide of Sri Ayyappa. It is a rare experience to see the Hindu devotees worshipping at the shrine of Vavar indicating the communal harmony in Kerala.