Before raising your queries, please view the contents of the web site. It provides you comprehensive information. This FAQ has been compiled based on repetitive queries received by the web master over the last nine years. The FAQ will add more and more info, as the Web Master deems fit.

Q. I am coming to Sannidhanam on  xx .date with x number of pilgrims? Could you please arrange accommodation for us?
Q. On 10th Jan with a batch of 30  pilgrims and I, are coming down from xxxxx . We want to stay there till Makara Jyothi is seen. Could you please arrange accommodation?
Q.  I am coming to Sannidhanam on Jan 12th and will leave on Jan 15th. Could you arrange accommodation for me and my batch of  25   pilgrims during that period?

A. No, these are peak season periods. We cannot arrange accommodation for large numbers for prolonged durations. The limited accommodation is meant for a short rest and not for long duration stay, especially during peak season. We would like to rotate the limited accommodation amongst the maximum number of pilgrims. We do not want pilgrims hanging on to the limited accommodation that we have. 

Q. I am a first time visitor.  I do not know what is to be done.
Q. I am coming from abroad. I don't have much of time. Can you arrange a quick darshan for me?

The whole pilgrimage route and all the arrangements on the route are under direct control of the Devaswom Board. We only provide supplementary services.  The `quick darshan' sort of people, irrespective of their country of origin, must plan their journeys well in advance and with plenty of time to spare. There is no system of cutting the queue here and there. There is no way we could assist such pilgrims. During the period just short of Mandala Pooja and the period 1st Jan to 14th Jan, the waiting time in the `Q' may be as much as 14 hours.  This also applies to pilgrims who request accommodation. Due to the long `Q', you may never be able to reach Sannidhanam at the appointed time. The accommodation that you requested cannot be held up awaiting your delayed arrival.

Q.  Is the route from Erumeli to Pampa ( some people call it 'Peruvazhi') open? When does it open? Can I travel along that route?

A.  There is no particular opening/closing date for travel along that route. Pilgrims  travel on that route. in groups. even during the monthly opening of the temple. Please be warned that negligible assistance is available along the route on a formal basis. Even ABASS sets up camps along that route only during the period 01- 19 Jan every year. Basically, you are on your own. Of course, a large number of shop keepers set up their establishments on the route. They demand a high price for everything. Medical assistance along the route is almost `Nil'. Travel in batches, be self sufficient and carry adequate provisions, water and  and first aid. 

Q. Does ABASS arrange any 'kettu kettu' ceremony at Trivandrum or elsewhere for the pilgrims?

A.  No, we do not. However, there are facilities provided at the Pampa temple for the same. Please view the following page for rates http://saranamayyappa.org/Pooja_Information_and_Rates_for_Various_Poojas.htm

Q.  When does the temple close after Makaravilakku session?

A.  The temple closes on the morning of 20th Jan. Pilgrims cannot enter the temple after its closure on 19thJan night.

Q.  Can I perform Neyyabhishekham on Jan 19th?

A.  The idol needs to be cooled after having undergone a large number of Neyyabhishekhams. This is done through a Kalabhabhishekham on Jan 18th. After that, there will not be any Neyyabhishekhams.

Q. I am coming to a place X or Y. Can you tell me of some batch of pilgrims who will be leaving place X or Y on that particular date with whom I can join up?

A.  No, we do not maintain any information on groups and when they start off from any particular place?

Q.   I am coming on two days leave. Could you arrange a special darshan for me?

A.   Our apologies. We have no such special arrangements with the temple authorities. Pilgrimage is meant for you shed your ego and come down to earth like the least privileged person.  Even the famous singer Jesudas is quoted as saying that he spends time in the `Q' and undergoes all the hardships associated with the pilgrimage. There is no way that we could arrange a special darshan. Find enough time to visit Sannidhanam, undergo all the conveniences and associated inconveniences and have a darshan. Compared to the World scene, it has been reported by various sources, that next to Mecca  the maximum pilgrimage density is to Sabarimala.

Q.   Can you tell me the bus schedule/timings from various places to Pampa?

A.   No, these are subject to rapid revisions. There will be adequate bus services from Ernakulam, Kottayam, Changanachery, Pathanthitta etc. Best option is to look for a bus from Pathanamthitta which is the nearest bus station.

Q. Can you give me the trains which will take me to railway station nearest to Sabarimala?
Q. Could you please provide me timings of arrival and departure of various trains at staion x/y/z?

A.  No. Please look up Indian Railways web site at http://www.irctc.co.in.

Q.  Can you send me road maps of Kerala/Guruvayoor to Sannidhanam etc?

A.  These road maps are available everywhere from various sources. Most of them have copy right clauses and we cannot infringe Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) to reproduce them on our web pages.

Q. I want to render service at the temple/accompany the Thiruvabharanam procession/receive the Thiruvabharanam etc. Please arrange these?

A.  These activities are controlled by Devaswom Board. Please contact their Sannidhanam Special Officer for such facilitation.

Q. I want to have a special darshan/want a special place to witness Makara Jyothi etc.. Please arrange.
Q. I am starting from place A and want to visit temples en-route. Could you please advice us?
We neither make such arrangements nor do we assume to role of a commercial `tour operator'.

Q. Can you tell me which all temples I should visit on my way to Sannidhanam?

A.  There is absolutely no need to visit any other temple before visiting Sannidhanam. If you feel like visiting temples en-route, please do so. It all depends on you. We cannot suggest which all temples you should visit.

Q. Can I send advance payment for room bookings?

A. No. We are a charitable organisation which does not levy charges. We sustain ourselves on your benevolent donations.

Q.  Can you provide me reserved parking at Pampa?

A.  No, these arrangements are controlled by the Devaswom Board and police authorities.

The Web Master

06 Nov 08