The Sree Dharma Sastha Temple at Sabarimala evokes intense devotion among Ayyappa devotees. Many take the long and difficult trip to the hill shrine located in a jungle on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu after a stiff period of penance lasting for more than a month and they aim to do so every year in their lifetime. Onmanorama takes a look at the fascinating origins, unique traditions and the much-storied barefoot trip to the abode of Lord Ayyappa.

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