Shabarimala, Śabarimala: 1 definition
Introduction:
Shabarimala means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
The Sanskrit term Śabarimala can be transliterated into English as Sabarimala or Shabarimala, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: archive.org: Puranic EncyclopediaŚabarimala (शबरिमल).—(ŚABARI MOUNTAIN). A sacred place in South India in the eastern region of Kerala on a mountain called Śabarimala. It is not quite certain whether the name of this mountain is in any way related to Śabarī, to whom Śrī Rāma had given salvation. At any rate a very ancient temple with Śāstā as the presiding deity therein is found at Śabarimala today. It is proof positive of the great sanctity attached to the ancient temple that every year lakhs of devotees from all parts of India visit it braving dense forests, mountains and wild beasts on their way. Historical evidence about the origin of the temple or its philosophical importance is sparse, but there is a legend, more illuminating than facts of history, about Śāstā (Ayyappan) the deity installed in the temple. The legend is as follows—
In olden days the royal family of the Pāṇḍyas divided itself into two branches, one of them settling down at Velliyūr and the other at Madura. When the king of Madura one day went ahunting in the forest he met a handsome and very powerful and courageous Malayāli youth. The king immediately took a liking for him and appointed him as an officer in his army. The youth gradually rose up in military service to become the Commander-in-Chief. The other officers, who were jealous due to the rise of the youth—Ayyappan—began conspiring to drive him out. The queen became a weapon in the hands of the conspirators, and at their instance she pretended herself to be very ill and lay in a fainting fit. All the physicians acknowledged defeat in curing her. Then a physician, an agent of the conspirators, came forward and assured the king that he would cure the queen of her illness within one and a half hours if a leopard’s milk was made available. The king told Ayyappan about it. (See full article at Story of Śabarimala from the Puranic encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani)
The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.
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Search found 2 books and stories containing Shabarimala, Śabarimala, Sabarimala; (plurals include: Shabarimalas, Śabarimalas, Sabarimalas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Puranic encyclopaedia (by Vettam Mani)
Expiatory Rites in Keralite Tantra (by T. S. Syamkumar)
10. Woman and Tantric Expiatory Rites < [Chapter 4 - Socio-Cultural aspects of Expiatory Rites]