This temple is open to believers of any faith. However, no one can climb the holy eighteen steps without carrying an Irumudi Kettu which in turn means that you should have observed a minimum period of austerities or vrutham.
Lord Ayyappa, a staunch celibate, after merging into the idol of Lord Dharma Sastha is in meditation for the betterment of the world. The vast majority of the pilgrims are `grahasthasramis' (householders) and they are invariably in the age group of 10 to 50. It is said that if women in the same age group are allowed to mingle with the above said age group of men pilgrims, their attention and concentration are likely to be diverted.
Further, in the earlier days, the only route was from Erumeli to Pampa and onto Sabarimala. The route passed through thick forests, steep hills and rivers. Wild animal menace was also prevalent en-route. The trek was physically demanding and was considered unsuitable for women.
As such, out of the female population, traditionally only a certain age group of females are permitted to visit Sannidhanam i.e. girls below the age of puberty (below 10 years) or women above the age of menopause (approx above 50 years). Women Police are on duty at Pampa to enforce this stricture.
This must not be misconstrued as an act of discrimination against women. Women of all ages enjoy the full right of worship at all other Ayyappan temples in the State. It would also be interesting to note that there are similar restrictions against men in certain temples of Kerala during certain periods.
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Ayyappa Seva Sangham (ABASS). All rights reserved
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