Sabarimala Pooja Timings: A Complete Guide for Devotees
Sabarimala- one of the most sacred pilgrimage centres in India, attracts millions of devotees every year who come to seek the blessings of Lord Ayyappa. The temple follows a strict schedule of rituals and poojas that begin early in the morning and continue late into the night. Understanding these timings helps devotees plan their darshan smoothly and participate in the rituals with devotion and discipline.
Below is a clear overview of the daily pooja timings at Sabarimala as per the traditional temple schedule.
Morning Rituals
The divine activities at Sabarimala commence well before sunrise, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere around the hill shrine.
Temple Opens: 3:00 AM
Nirmalya Darshanam: 3:05 AM
The sacred first darshan of the day, when devotees witness the divine aura after the previous night’s offerings.
Ganapati Homam: 3:30 AM
A powerful ritual invoking Lord Ganesha for blessings and removal of obstacles.
Neyyabhishekam:
3:45 AM to 7:00 AM
8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
The most significant offering to Lord Ayyappa, performed with ghee brought in the devotees’ irumudi.
Usha Pooja: 7:30 AM
Ucha Pooja: 12:30 PM
Temple Closes: 1:00 PM
The morning rituals are deeply symbolic, representing purity, surrender, and devotion. Pilgrims who witness the early morning poojas often describe the experience as spiritually uplifting.
Evening Rituals
The temple reopens in the afternoon, and the evening rituals are performed in a deeply devotional ambience under the gentle glow of temple lamps.
Temple Opens: 3:05 PM
Deeparadhana: 6:30 PM
A mesmerising ritual where the deity is worshipped with lamps, symbolising divine light and grace.
Pushpabhishekam: 7:00 PM
A beautiful floral offering adorning the deity with fresh flowers.
Athazha Pooja: 9:30 PM
The evening food offering to the Lord.
Harivarasanam: 10:50 PM
Temple Closes: 11:00 PM