Arrival at Airport / Railway Station in Kochi - where your temple tour takes off... After a warm welcome, your road-journey to Pampa is on. En route, depending on time, visit some of the famous Temples in Kerala.

Your worship begins at:

• Poornathreyasa Temple, Tripunithura

The Temple of the Royal dynasty of erstwhile Cochin State... An icon of bygone Maharaja days ! The presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu, which is supposed to be installed by Arjuna - a celebrity in the epic Mahabharata.

• Devi Temple, Chottanikkara

A prominent one among the most sacred Goddess Temples in South India! Here the deity is worshipped in three different forms - as Saraswati in the morning, as Bhadrakali at noon and as Durga in the evening - all major 'bhavas' (qualities) rolled in one! Moreover, worship in the adjoining Keezhkaavu Shrine is believed to rid devotees of evil influences, psychological ailments and evil spirits. Overall, a place of unmatched divine elegance!

• Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple, Malliyoor

A prominent shrine of Lord Ganapathy (the remover of obstacles), in the state... The deity here is conceptualized in a peculiar form - the trunk twisted rightwards, carries a lime on its tip, hands hold an axe, rope, horn and a laddoo (sweet) can. It is believed that the spirit of Lord Vishnu miraculously infused into Lord Ganapathy. Thus this deity is regarded as 'Vaishnava Ganapathy' - Ganapathy cradling the little Sree Krishna in his lap.

• Sun Temple, Adityapuram

The only Temple in Kerala dedicated to Aditya - the Sun God. Here the deity's idol is made of a particular type of stone that absorbs oil. Interesting thing is, the main prasadam (a consecrated offering) given to the devotees is Rakthachandanam (medicinal sandalwood).

• Mahadeva Temple, Ettumanoor

A much admired Temple of Lord Shiva... The imposing Temple sanctum bears woodcarvings of superior workmanship, portraying legends from epics - Ramayana and the Bhagavatam. Also of note are the murals on the western entrance. On the 8th day of the Temple festival, a unique treasure of the Temple - the seven and half golden elephants (Ezhara Pon Aana - offered by the Maharaja of Travancore) are displayed to the devotees.

Late evening, you will reach Kottayam town. Check-in to your Hotel and relax in the lodging's cordial atmosphere. Stay overnight at Kottayam.

Rise early, to resume your journey to Sabarimala. A few hours' drive thro' some scenic routes brings you to Erumeli - an ideal place to equip yourself before the Sabarimala 'Darshan' (view).

Start your today's worship at:

• Lord Dharma Sastha Temple, Erumeli

This temple of Lord Ayyappa is an important meeting place in the pilgrimage trip to Sabarimala. There is also a mosque - Vavar Palli (dedicated to Vavar who is considered to be the friend of Lord Ayyappa) located close to the Temple. Thus, Erumeli is a place which is revered by both Hindus and Muslims. Its special feature is 'Petta Thullal' (mass frenzied dancing accompanied by loud music) - a ceremony during the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage.

(Prior to Petta Thullal, the pilgrims smear color on their faces and bodies. It is said that smearing of colors and taking part in this sort of a dance is a symbolic step towards shedding one's ego which is an essential pre-requisite before undertaking the pilgrimage.)

• Lord Shiva Temple, Nilackal

This sacred Temple of Lord Shiva is situated on the way to Sabarimala, very near to the Pamba - Pathanamthitta Road. This is also an intermediate halting place for the Sabarimala pilgrims.

• Lord Ganapathy Temple, Pamba

A Temple located atop 102 steps; this is the main halting point in the Sabarimala pilgrimage.. Breaking of coconuts is the main offering here.

• Sree Ayyappa Temple, Sabarimala

Arguably the most important Temple of Lord Ayyappa in the world, Sabarimala is thronged by millions of devotees from all part of the country and abroad - throughout the year. The pilgrims usually take a dip in the holy river Pamba, before proceeding to the Sabari hills - the sacred aboard of Lord Ayyappa. Reaching the 'sannidhanam' (seat of the Lord) after trekking the Hills is itself an experience !

The unique aspect of this Temple is that, it is open to people of all faiths! Many Non-Hindus conduct pilgrimages to Sabarimala. This secular aspect of Sabarimala is best exemplified by the existence of the 'Vavar Nada' (in honor of a Muslim, who was Lord Ayyappa's best friend), in close proximity to the main Temple. There is no other Temple in the world in which the pilgrims are called after the deity - 'Ayyappa' - underlining the fact that all pilgrims, in whichever class or background, are equal before the Lord.

As night deepens, conclude your worship and settle down comfortably in the premises of the great Temple. Pass the night with the awareness of the supreme Lord.

Awake early so that you can participate in the early-worship-schedules of the Temple like, 'Ghee Abishaka Darshan' (Lord taking bath in Ghee). Then, descend the hills with a new vigor. From Pampa start your return drive. En route, depending on time, pay your offerings at the most famous Temple in the Kottayam town:

• Thirunakkara Temple, Kottayam

Located in the center of the Kottayam town, this centuries-old Shrine of Lord Shiva is quite distinct as the idol here is self manifested one - not created with a chisel. A Temple of the grand architectural style where the interior walls are decorated with striking and colorful murals!

Afterwards, drive back to Kochi - where your enlightening tour ends. Proceed to the Airport / Railway Station for the return journey. Back to your place, but as a rejuvenated self.