The Common Motifs of Popular Religiosity in Pilgrimages to Sabarimala and Malayattoor in Kerala: A Comparative Study on the Commonness of Religiosity in Digital Age
The Common Motifs of Popular Religiosity in Pilgrimages to Sabarimala and Malayattoor in Kerala: A Comparative Study on the Commonness of Religiosity in Digital Age
Religion and Social Communication Vol. 24, No. 1 (2026)
Author
Shiju Paul, SVD
St. John’s Mission Seminary, Changanacherry, Kerala, India
Email: paulshijusvd@gmail.com
Abstract
Since time immemorial people have undertaken journeys on foot to places deemed holy. Like many other countries, India is a land rich in pilgrimage sites for various religions. This research explores the common motifs of popular religiosity in pilgrimages to Sabarimala and Malayattoor in the Kerala State of India. Those two ancient pilgrimage centers belong to the Hindus and to the Syrian Catholics respectively. Pilgrims on those routes can appreciate its tranquility, as social, cultural and historical riches are set against the backdrop of the Western Ghats of Kerala. The study explains the legends and practices of popular religiosity associated with each center. It is followed by explaining the common motifs of popular religiosity experienced in pilgrimages. This study not only enriches the understanding of popular religiosity in a specific cultural context but also offers valuable insights into the influences of advancements of digital media in pilgrimages. Employing technological tools reduces the impact of pilgrimages on the environment while promoting increased connectivity, safety, security and sustainability. Thus, it provides the pilgrims with holistic pilgrimage experience.
Keywords
popular religiosity, pilgrimage, Sabarimala, Malayattoor, Ayyappa, Muthappan, legend, myth, digital
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Pages: 164–184
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62461/SJP100226
Submitted, Accepted & Published Dates
Submitted: April 3, 2025
Accepted: October 2, 2025
Published: January 1, 2026
Cite this article
Paul, Shiju. “The Common Motifs of Popular Religiosity in Pilgrimages to Sabarimala and Malayattoor in Kerala: A Comparative Study on the Commonness of Religiosity in Digital Age.” Religion and Social Communication 24, no. 1 (2026): 164–184. https://doi.org/10.62461/SJP100226.
Copyright & License
© 2026 The authors. This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
