The annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage began on November 16 after Melshanthi Arun Kumar Namboothiri opened the Sabarimala sanctum sanctorum for Vrischikam rituals at 5 pm.
On Sunday, the newly appointed Chairman of Travancore Devaswom K Jayakumar visited Sabarimala Sannidhanam with other officials. Tantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru also attended the inauguration ceremony. “ED Prasad will take charge as the new Melshanthi (head priest) of Sabarimala and MG Manu will take charge as the Melshanthi of Malikappuram,” officials informed ANI.
Chants of Ayyappa echoed in the temple premises as the current melshanthi Arun kumar Namboothiri opened the sanctum sanctorum. After the opening, Melshanthi Arun Kumar Namboothiri descended the 18 sacred steps to light the Aazhi using a lamp brought from the shrine, ANI reported.
He later led the newly appointed Melshanthis to the Sannidhanams who were waiting below the stairs with their Irumudikettu.
Elaborate arrangements at the Sabarimala temple for the annual pilgrimage
The Travancore Devaswom Board and the State Government at Sannidhanam, Pamba have made elaborate arrangements for the Mandala-Makaravilakku season. This more than two month long annual pilgrimage will continue till January 20, 2026.
As a large number of devotees thronged the sacred hill shrine on the first day itself, the authorities were ready with well-marked hiking routes and benches along the Chandranandan Road from Marakkoottam to Sannidhanam. In addition, a 400-meter retaining wall was constructed on both sides of the front complex between Valiyanadapandal and Saramkuthi to provide additional seating areas for devotees to rest.
In addition, hot drinking water kiosks and 56 ginger water distribution points have been set up between Pamba and Sannidhanam, attracting devotees from all over the world. A ceiling was introduced on the daily number of pilgrims. A total of 90,000 to 70,000 devotees will be allowed through the virtual queue system and 20,000 through on-site reservation each day, PTI reported.
Sabarimala Temple opening and closing time
The sacred shrine will be open from 3 am to 11 pm every day during this pilgrimage season and will end with a rendition of ‘Harivarasanam’ – a traditional lullaby for Lord Ayyappa.
Notably, the Mandala Pooja will be observed on December 27 and the temple will be closed that night. The Sabarimala temple will remain closed for two days and reopen on the third day on December 30 at 5 pm, ANI reported. Rituals like Ezhunnelippu at Malikappuram, Pathi Pooja, Kalabhabhishekam and Guruthi will follow the Makaravilakku celebrations on January 14. After the darshan of the palace official, the temple will close for the season on January 20.
