Mandala Pooja: Restrictions on Devotees on December 26 and 27
Pathanamthitta: Restrictions have been imposed on darshan at the Sabarimala temple in connection with the Mandala Pooja. The restrictions will be in force on December 26 and 27. On December 26, entry will be permitted for 30,000 pilgrims through the virtual queue system, while on December 27 the limit will be increased to 35,000. Spot booking on both days has been reduced to 2,000 pilgrims.
With only a few days remaining for the Mandala Pooja, Sabarimala is witnessing a massive influx of devotees. The heavy rush has intensified as the temple enters the most significant days of the Mandala season. The queue for climbing the sacred eighteen steps extended up to Sarankuthi, several kilometres away.
Meanwhile, the ceremonial procession carrying the Thiruvabharanam (golden ornaments) to be adorned on Lord Ayyappa has set off towards Sabarimala. After receiving traditional welcomes at various temples en route, the procession will reach Pampa by noon on December 26. From there, the golden ornaments will be ceremonially carried by Guruswamis on their heads, passing through Neelimala, Appachimedu, Sabaripetha, and Sarankuthi before reaching the Sannidhanam. At 6.30 pm, the Thiruvabharanam will be adorned on the idol of Lord Ayyappa, followed by Deeparadhana. The Mandala Pooja with the golden ornaments will be performed at noon on December 27.
The Mandala season pilgrimage will formally conclude with the Mandala Pooja on Saturday. According to Tantri Kandarar Mahesh Mohanar, the auspicious time for the Mandala Pooja is between 10.10 am and 11.30 am. The associated Deeparadhana will conclude by 11.30 am. The temple doors will be closed at 11 pm after the chanting of Harivarasanam, marking the end of the Mandala season. Though the Mandala Pooja is held on the morning of December 27, the temple will close at 10 pm after the Athazha Pooja that night.
For the Makara Vilakku pilgrimage season, the temple will reopen at 5 pm on December 30. While no special poojas will be conducted that day, darshan will be allowed. Poojas and abhishekam for the Makara Vilakku season will begin at 3 am on December 31.
Makara Vilakku will be observed on January 14, while the Erumeli Pettathullal will take place on January 11. The ceremonial procession carrying the Thiruvabharanam from the Pandalam Palace will begin on January 12 and reach the Sannidhanam on the evening of January 14. After being ceremonially received at Sarankuthi, the ornaments will be taken in procession to the Sannidhanam and adorned on the idol of Lord Ayyappa, followed by Deeparadhana. At the same time, the sacred Makara Jyothi will appear at Ponnambalamedu.