Sabarimala to Open on March 22; Kodiyettu on March 23; Neyyabhishekam Allowed Only Till 7 AM — Know More
Sabarimala (Keralam): For the annual festival at Sabarimala Temple, the sanctum sanctorum will open at 5:00 PM on March 22 in the presence of Tantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanar and Melsanthi Prasad E D.
Following this, the Malikappuram shrine will be opened by Malikappuram Melshanti M.G. Manu Namboothiri.
The ceremonial flag hoisting (Kodiyettu), marking the official start of the festivities, will take place on March 23 between 11:30 AM and 12:00 noon.
The festival will run from March 23 to March 31, featuring major rituals such as Utsava Bali conducted after the noon pooja and Sree Bhootha Bali following the Athazha Pooja each day.
The highlight event, Pallivetta, is scheduled for March 31. The ceremonial procession will depart from the temple at 8:30 PM towards Saramkuthi without traditional musical accompaniment. After the ritual, the procession will return around 9:30 PM accompanied by percussion and illuminated by ceremonial torches.
On April 1, the Arattu ritual will be held at Pamba River. The procession will leave Sannidhanam at 9:00 AM and reach Pamba by 11:00 AM for the holy bath. The return procession will begin at 4:00 PM, with devotees and traders at Neelimala offering a traditional welcome. The temple will reopen by 6:30 PM for Deeparadhana, and the festival will conclude with flag lowering at 9:00 PM. The temple will close at 10:00 PM.
Darshan Guidelines and Restrictions
Devotees must book darshan through the official website of Travancore Devaswom Board [www.sabarimalaonline.org], as virtual queue booking is mandatory during the festival period.
Daily darshan is limited to 25,000 devotees, while only 10,000 devotees will be allowed on the Arattu day.
Neyyabhishekam will be performed only between 5:30 AM and 7:00 AM (except on the flag hoisting day).
From the second to the eighth day of the festival, devotees will not be allowed to climb the sacred Pathinettampadi (18 holy steps) after 9:00 AM due to Utsava Bali rituals.
Darshan will resume at 12:30 PM after the completion of the Utsava Bali.
Authorities have urged pilgrims to strictly adhere to the schedule and booking system to ensure smooth and safe conduct of the festival.