Here are the main stops en route to the hill temple.
Erumeli
All devotees proceeding to Sabarimala invariably arrive at Erumeli. It is here the demoness Mahishi was killed. The ritualistic war dance, Petta Thullal is performed to remember that event. People paint their bodies and carry on their shoulders a blanket that is filled with assorted items including vegetables. The 'Petta' is then carried in a procession accompanied by music and dance. It culminates after going around an Ayyappa temple at Erumeli. The faithful aslo visit the Vavar mosque here.
The Forest Trek
After Petta Thullal, devotees commence their trip through the forest. They first come to Kottapadi where Ayyappa had assigned Vaparan to protect devotees from wild animals.
Perurthodu
This rivulet is believed to be the place where Ayyappa had some rest when he was in the forests. Devotees make it a point to wash themselves and take rest.
Irumboonikkara
There are two temples here. People pray here and some take rest as well. After this place, the trek goes through teak plantations.
Kalaketti
It is believed that Shiva tied his bull to a tree here after he came to visit Ayyappa following the murder of Mahishi. There is a Shiva temple here.
Azhutha
Azhutha is the last place with human settlements as one proceeds to Sabarimala. After crossing the deep river, also called Azhutha, one enters the Periyar Tiger Reserve. You need to carry water and be ready for a tiresome trek. There are a few charitable organisations that serve food on the other side of the bank. Devotees take a dip in Azhutha and carry a stone when continuing with the trek.
Azhuthamedu
This place, about 5 km from Azhutha, offers a challenge for the devotees as they have to negotiate a steep gradient.
Kallidamkunnu
It is believed that the dead body of Mahishi was thrown here. The body is believed to have been covered so that it did not cause problems to people. In that memory, the stone collected from Azhutha is thrown here.
Inchiparakotta
Here devotees rest and cook food.
Kariyilam Thodu
This is a scenic place where devotees will enjoy the trek because of the beauty of the forests. Some take rest here.
Puthussery-Mukkuzhy
Here one is safe from wild animals and can spend a night. Devotees take rest here and continue with the trek later.
Karimala
One cannot climb the eight-tier Karimala at one go and normally people take rest in between climbs. At the top of the mountain is the temple of Karimalanathan. Here one can find wells and ponds. Coming down the mountain is more strenuous because one needs to be very careful.
Valiyaanavattam
This place is plane where one can spend time resting, cooking or offering oblations for departed souls. This is the Pampa of olden times. One can take two routes to reach Sabarimala from here: one that bypasses Pampa and the other through Pampa.
Pampa
A dip in the river Pampa takes away all the weariness of the forest journey. Devotees have to conduct several rituals at the several temples here. The place is crowded as devotees arriving on vehicles reach here directly.
Neelimala
Since this mountain features steep climbs, travel should be slow and steady and one need to be careful about one's health. Use medical facilities as much as possible.
Appachimedu
This is the place where Kaduravan, an ally of gods ruled over evil spirits. Here one needs to pay obeisance to evil spirits and move ahead. Steep climbs are characteristic of the place.
Sabaripeedom
This is the place where the sage Sabari did penance and got redemption.
Marakoottam
Usually this is the place from where the queue to the temple starts.
Sharamkuthi
Ayyappan and his army left their weapons here. It is here that devotees discard the arrows that they bring from Erumeli. Sharamkuthi is about 1 km from Sabaripeedom.
The 18 Steps
The deity is witnessed after climbing the 18 steps, known popularly as the 'Pathinettampadi.' The Ayyappa temple is located in the middle of 18 hills. It is believed that the 18 steps signify the 18 ancient hill deities. It is said there were temples on top of each of the surrounding hills in the past. One should not climb the 18 steps without the bundle on the head. One needs to break a coconut before stepping on the steps and climb uttering prayers. Devotees who arrive at the temple with 'irumudi' – a bag with two compartments – are believed to have traversed all the 14 worlds in the universe mentioned in the Hindu mythology.
Sannidhanam
The layout of the Ayyappa temple complex, Sannidhanam, is believed to have been designed on the specific instructions of the Lord himself, who wanted Malikappurathamma on his left a few yards from Sannidhanam, and his trusted lieutenants Vavur and Kadutha to be positioned as his guards at the foot of the 18 steps.
Malikappuram Temple
Situated on a small hillock, the temple of Malikappurathamma houses the sub-shrines of the Devi and Kaduthaswamy. Devotees also worship a trident and lamp here, and offer coconuts. The coconuts are not broken, however, but are just rolled on the ground.
Bhasma Kulam
En route to the Malikappurathamma shrine is the temple tank, Bhasma Kulam, in which hundreds of devotees take a holy bath in memory of the tapaswini Sabari who entered a fire to end her mortal life. It is after her that the peak is named Sabarimala. On account of the number of people who bathe in the tank, the water is frequently drained out and refilled with fresh water.
Azhy
There used to be a large fire pit (homakunda) in front of the shrine. It burned constantly when continuously fed by the coconut shells offered by the devotees after offering ghee. It is said the sins of the devotees are cleansed as the coconut shells get consumed by the fire. The homakunda has now been shifted below the temple on safety grounds due to the growing number of pilgrims.
