The Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy temple will open on March 14 for the Meenam month rituals. At 5:00 PM, in the presence of Thantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanar, Melsanthi Prasad E.D. will open the sanctum and light the lamp. After that, the sacred fire will be lit in the Aazhi below the Pathinettam Padi (18 holy steps).
Following this, the Malikappuram shrine will be opened by Malikappuram Melshanti M.G. Manu Namboothiri.
On March 15, the first day of the Meenam month, the temple will open for darshan at 5:00 AM. From the first day of Meenam month onward, Padipuja will be conducted on the 18 steps after Deeparadhana each day. After completing the Meenam month rituals, the Sabarimala temple will close at 10:00 PM on March 19.
Accommodation Booking: www.onlinetdb.com
Sabarimala Temple will reopen on 22 March at 5:00 PM for the temple annual festival, which will conclude on 1 April with the Arattu ceremony. The festival coincides with the annual Painkuni Festival of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, where the celebrations begin with Dwajarohanam (flag hoisting) and conclude with the Arattu procession.
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 Original Kumkum
» Use traditional cloth bags or eco-friendly containers, Let's protect ayyappa's abode and the forest hertiage.
