The Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple is set to open for the Chingam monthly pooja in August 2025. Here’s a concise guide to the temple’s schedule, revised darshan timings, and essential pilgrimage details.
August 2025 (Chingam) Monthly Pooja: Opening and Closing Dates and Timings
The monthly pooja during the Malayalam month of Chingam (August 2025) is a significant occasion when the temple opens for a brief period. The Sabarimala Temple will open for the Chingam pooja on August 16, 2025, at 5:00 PM and remain accessible until August 21, 2025, closing at 10:00 PM. This five-day period allows devotees to participate in daily rituals, including the Usha Pooja, Ucha Pooja, Deeparadhana, and Padi Pooja, » Monthly 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.
