Sabarimala Temple stands at 4,134 feet (1,260 m) on a hill among 18 hills in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The infobox dates it to the 11th century, though the article says its earliest written records are from 1818. A fire in 1902 led to a restoration, and arson in 1950 led to a rebuilding with a new panchaloha idol. The 18 sacred steps were covered in panchaloha in 1985, and the sanctum roof is gold-plated.
The temple is open only at set times, including Mandala Pooja from mid-November to late December, Makaravilakku on January 14, and the first five days of each Malayalam month. Pilgrims need an Irumudikkettu to climb the 18 steps.
Annual visitors are estimated at 10 million to 15 million. Women aged 10 to 50 were restricted from entering until the Supreme Court overturned the restriction in 2018.
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