Sabarimala Temple to Open for Thulam Monthly Pooja on October 17
The Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple, nestled in the dense forests of Pathanamthitta district, is set to open for the Thulam monthly pooja in October 2025. Devotees can look forward to an auspicious series of rituals, ceremonies, and key events marking this sacred occasion.
October 2025 (Thulam) Monthly Pooja: Opening and Closing Dates and Timings
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) announced that the temple will open for the Thulam monthly pooja on October 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM, The sanctum sanctorum will be opened by Melsanthi Arunkumar Nampoothiri in the presence of Thantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru while the Mallikapuram temple will be opened by Melsanthi Vasudevan Namboothiri.
The temple will open for darshan at 5:00 AM on October 18, marking the first day of the Malayalam month of Thulam. The temple will remain open until October 22, 2025, closing at 10:00 PM after the conclusion of the monthly poojas.
Key Events and Highlights
Melshanthy Draw:
The annual draw to select the melshanthies (chief priests) for the Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples will be held on October 18 morning at the Sannidhanam.
Sree Chithira Attathirunal Festival:
The Sree Chithira Attathirunal festival will be observed on October 21 at the Sannidhanam, coinciding with the birth star Chithira Nakshatram of Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the last Maharaja of Travancore.
Presidential Visit:
President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit the hill shrine for darshan on October 22, the final day of the monthly pooja. In view of her visit, the TDB has begun preparations, and special security and entry restrictions will be in place for devotees on that day.
In view of the President’s visit, the Travancore Devaswom Board has decided not to open the virtual queue/spot booking slots for October 22, restrictions are likely from afternoon of 21 october.
Daily Rituals
During the Thulam pooja period, devotees can witness and participate in the temple’s daily rituals, including Nirmalya Darshan, Ganapati Homam, Usha Pooja, Ucha Pooja, Deeparadhana, and the sacred Padi Pooja in the evening.
The revised darshan timings will be implemented to ensure smooth pilgrim flow and to accommodate the expected large turnout.
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.