Sabarimala 18 Hills – Names, Meaning & Spiritual Significance (Tamil & English)
Sabarimala is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centres in India, attracting millions of devotees every year. Apart from the divine presence of Lord Ayyappa at Sannidhanam, the region is spiritually elevated because it is surrounded by 18 sacred hills, each with mythological, geographical, and spiritual significance.
Many devotees search for:
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“What are the 18 hills of Sabarimala?”
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“What are their names in Tamil?”
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“What is the meaning of these 18 hills?”
Here is a complete, clear guide covering everything you need.
List of Sabarimala 18 Hills (English Names)
Below is the full list of the sacred hills surrounding Sabarimala:
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Karimala
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Neelimala
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Appachimedu
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Sabareepeedam
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Saramkuthi
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Marakoottam
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Sannidhanam Hill
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Poonkavanam
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Parunthumpara
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Pullumedu
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Pandithavalam
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Vallakkadavu
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Erumeli Hill
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Kalaketty
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Kallidamkunnu
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Thirumantharam
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Kapila Theertham Hill
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Pamba Giri
These hills form a protective spiritual circle around the holy shrine.
தமிழில் 18 மலைகள் – Sabarimala 18 Hills Names in Tamil
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கரிமலை
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நீலிமலை
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அப்பாசிமேடு
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சபரிமலை பீடம்
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சாரணக்குத்தி
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மரக்கூட்டம்
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சந்நிதான மலை
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பூங்காவனம்
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பருந்துபாறை
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புள்ளுமேடு
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பண்டிதவளம்
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வள்ளக்கடவு
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எരുമேலி மலை
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களக்கெட்டி
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கள்ளிடங்குன்னு
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திருமந்திரம்
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கபில தீர்த்தம்
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பாம்பகிரி
Why These 18 Hills Are Sacred – Spiritual Interpretation
The 18 hills symbolise stages of spiritual evolution. For a devotee, the journey through the forest and these hills is a path toward self-discipline and purity.
Symbolic Meaning of 18 Hills
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5 Senses – Eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin
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8 Desires – Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada, Matsarya, Ahamkara, Raga
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3 Gunas – Sattva, Rajas, Tamas
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Mind
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Intellect
Together, these represent 18 obstacles that a devotee must overcome to reach the divine.
Climbing the hills spiritually means:
“Conquering desires, ego, and negativity to realize the divine within — Tat Tvam Asi.”
Geographical Importance
The 18 hills form a natural protective circle around the temple. They preserve the pristine forests of Sabarimala, including rare species of plants, wildlife, and river systems like the Pamba.
These hills are part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of India’s richest ecological zones.
Mythological Significance
According to the scriptures:
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Each hill represents a stage in the divine journey of Lord Ayyappa.
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Sage Parashurama is believed to have installed the deity on these hills.
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The 18 hills were chosen to signify the spiritual transformation every devotee experiences.
Meaning for Devotees Today
For Ayyappa devotees, understanding these hills creates a deeper connection with:
- The vratham (41-day penance)
- The forest journey
- The discipline of body and mind
- The symbolic meaning of “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa”
Conclusion
The 18 hills of Sabarimala are not just geographical formations – they represent the spiritual transformation of the devotee. Understanding their names, meanings, and symbolism deepens the entire pilgrimage experience.
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa
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