Malikappuram Temple

Malikappuram Temple at the foot of Sabarimala Hill is dedicated to Malikapurathamma — the young goddess considered the sister or beloved of Lord Ayyappa. Devotees traditionally offer prayers here before and after climbing to the main Sabarimala shrine. The temple marks the beginning of the sacred 18 golden steps (Pathinettam Padi) leading to Lord Ayyappa. A spiritually essential stop on the Sabarimala pilgrimage circuit in Kerala, visited by all pilgrims completing the yatra.