The Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple is set to open for the Karkadakam monthly pooja in July 2025. Here’s a concise guide to the temple’s schedule, revised darshan timings, and essential pilgrimage details.
Special Opening for New Navagraha Srikovil Pratishtha
this is a rare occasion when the temple opens for a brief period. The Sabarimala Temple will open on July 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM and remain accessible until July 13, 2025, closing at 10:00 PM. The idol installation ceremony at the new Navagraha temple at Sabarimala will take place on July 13. The consecration ritual is scheduled to be held during the auspicious Kanni Rashi muhurtham between 11 a.m. and 12 noon. Devotees wishing to visit the temple during the consecration period may now book their darshan slots via the virtual queue system.
» Pratishtha Schudule: Click Here
July 2025 (Karkadakam) Monthly Pooja: Opening and Closing Dates and Timings
The monthly pooja during the Malayalam month of Karkadakam (July 2025) is a significant occasion when the temple opens for a brief period. The Sabarimala Temple will open for the Karkadakam pooja on July 16, 2025, at 5:00 PM and remain accessible until July 21, 2025, closing at 10:00 PM. This five-day period allows devotees to participate in daily rituals, including the Usha Pooja, Ucha Pooja, and Deeparadhana, Padi Pooja,
» Monthly Pooja Schudule: Click Here
Niraputhri Mahotsavam
Nira Puthari, a ritual for agricultural prosperity, is set for July 30, as confirmed by the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. All Travancore Devaswom Board temples will observe the puja between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM, aligning with the Atham star and Karkidaka zodiac. The temple opens for a brief period. The Sabarimala Temple will open on July 29, 2025, at 5:00 PM and remain accessible until July 30, 2025, closing at 10:00 PM
» Niraputhri Pooja Schudule: Click Here
The temple operates under the revised darshan schedule, detailed below, to accommodate the influx of pilgrims efficiently.
Revised Darshan Schedule by the Travancore Devaswom Board
The Travancore Devaswom Board, which oversees the administration of the Sabarimala Temple, has introduced significant changes to the darshan schedule to streamline the pilgrimage process and enhance devotee convenience. For all monthly poojas, the temple will operate on the following timings: it will open at 5:00 AM and close at 1:00 PM, then reopen at 4:00 PM and close at 10:00 PM after the recitation of Harivarasanam. Additionally, a new schedule has been implemented for civil darshan (darshan without the irumudikettu, the traditional offering bundle). Civil darshan is permitted only from 6:00 AM, after the temple opens in the morning, and concludes at 9:30 PM. These changes aim to manage crowd flow effectively, ensuring a disciplined and serene darshan experience for all devotees
Key Rituals During Monthly Pooja
During the Monthly pooja, several important rituals are conducted at Sabarimala. These include:
Neyyabhishekam, Padi Pooja, Udayasthamana Pooja, Pushpabhishekam, usha pooja, ucha pooja.
Travel and Environmental and Safety Guidelines
Eco-Friendly Practices: The Sabarimala pilgrimage is within a protected forest area, and devotees are urged to avoid plastic and maintain cleanliness. The Devaswom Board has implemented strict waste management protocols.
Health Precautions: Pilgrims should carry necessary medications and stay hydrated during the trek. Medical facilities are available at Pamba and Sannidhanam.
Security Measures: Enhanced security checks are in place, including bag scanning and identity verification. Pilgrims must carry valid ID and their virtual queue booking confirmation
Women’s Entry at Sabarimala: Simple Guide
The Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple follows a special tradition where women between 10 and 50 years old are gently requested not to visit. This is because Lord Ayyappa, the deity of the temple, is worshipped as a celibate god. Women under 10 or over 50 are wholeheartedly welcome to come for darshan and join in the temple’s prayers and rituals. This practice respects the temple’s age-old customs while opening its doors to many devotees.
Irumudikettu: No Polythene In Irumudi
devotees visiting Sabarimala are strictly prohibited from using polythene bags in or around the irumudi bundle,
» As per the kerala high court order, polythene materials are banned to preserve the sanctity and ecology of the sacred hill.
» Strict vigilance will be maintained at: sannidhanam - pamba - nilakkal forest trekking routes.
» Offenders may be subject to confiscation or penalty.
» Use traditional cloth bags or eco-friendly containers, Let's protect ayyappa's abode and the forest hertiage.
