Room Bookings and Virtual Queue Open for May at Sabarimala; Know More
Sabarimala, Kerala: The Sabarimala Sree Ayappa Temple will open its sanctum sanctorum on May 14 at 5:00 PM for the monthly Meenam poojas. The ceremonial opening will take place in the presence of Tantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanar, with Melshanthi Prasad E. D. performing the rituals and lighting the sacred lamp.
Following this, the Malikappuram shrine will be opened by Malikappuram Melshanti M. G. Manu Namboothiri.
On May 15, marking the first day of the Edavam month, the temple will reopen at 5:00 AM to allow devotees to have darshan. From this day onward, key rituals such as Kalabhabhishekam and Padipooja will be conducted regularly.
The annual Pratishta Dinam of the temple is observed on the Atham Nakshatra. This commemorates the installation of the second Panchaloha idol in 1951, following the destruction of the first Panchaloha idol—installed in 1908—during a fire incident in 1950.
Online Booking for Darshan and Accommodation
Devotees planning a visit must book their darshan slot through the Virtual Queue system available on the [www.sabarimalaonline.org]. Accommodation and Pooja Bookings at Sannidhanam can also be reserved online through the website : [www.onlinetdb.com].
Accommodation to Open in Phases; Devotees Advised to Check Website Daily to Reserve Slots
Temple Rituals and Timings
During the monthly poojas, several important rituals will be observed, including Neyyabhishekam, Udayasthamana Pooja, Pushpabhishekam, Usha Pooja, and Ucha Pooja. Temple timings are scheduled from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Rituals like Harivarasanam and Padipooja will also be performed. Authorities have indicated that new reforms regarding Padipooja bookings may be introduced soon.
Travel, Safety, and Environmental Guidelines
As the pilgrimage site lies within a protected forest region, authorities have urged devotees to follow eco-friendly practices, including avoiding plastic usage and maintaining cleanliness. Strict waste management measures have been implemented.
Pilgrims are advised to carry essential medications and stay hydrated during the trek. Medical facilities are available at Pamba and Sannidhanam. Security has also been tightened, with mandatory ID verification, bag scanning, and the requirement to carry virtual queue booking confirmations.
Entry Guidelines and Traditions
In keeping with long-standing traditions, women between the ages of 10 and 50 are requested not to undertake the pilgrimage, as Lord Ayappa is worshipped as a celibate deity. Women outside this age group are permitted to visit and participate in temple rituals.
Ban on Polythene in Irumudi
Authorities have strictly prohibited the use of polythene bags in or around the Irumudi carried by devotees. Acting on directions from the Kerala High Court, strict checks will be enforced along trekking routes including Sannidhanam, Pamba, and Nilakkal. Violators may face penalties or confiscation of banned materials.
Devotees are encouraged to use traditional cloth bags or eco-friendly containers and to help preserve the sanctity of the temple and its surrounding forest ecosystem.