Holy Sannidhanam

Sannidhanam is the central shrine of the Sabarimala temple complex and seats the deity Ayyappan. The "Mel Shanti" (chief priest) of Sabarimala performs the rituals and ceremony to please Ayyappan in this shrine. The Sannidhanam was built on a raised platform with eighteen steps leading to it to prevent wild animals and from reaching there and harming the devotees. Originally made of rock the Sannidhanam is now gold-plated and has intricate designs on its outer walls.