Source: tamilweek.com
SRI LANKA, December 15, 2009: The Iyappan temple in Vampivattan, Udappu is believed to be the first Iyappan temple to be built in Sri Lanka. The season to climb Sabarimalai and worship Lord Iyappan has just begun. Devotees in black attire have gathered in Colombo to get visa’s for travel to India during the season which ends in early January.
The Sabarimalai Iyappan temple is open to men. And to women who’ve either passed their fertility age and those before reaching the age of puberty. Devotees have to fast for 41 days and carry the Madi Pichchai (a cloth bundle which contains traditional offerings). Devotees have to avoid using pillows, mattresses, perfumes and footwear during the fasting. Men have to wear loin cloth and women have to wear black. Devotees from around the world climb the mountain on foot.
It’s estimated that over 50 million devotees climb Sabarimalai every year, making it the second largest pilgrimage in the world. The temple is situated at an elevation of 4,135 feet above sea level.