Sabarimala Temple Opens Today for June - Mithunam Masa; Cheerappanchira Temple Also Opens to Devotees
Sabarimala, June 14: The Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple was opened this evening for the monthly Mithunam pooja rituals, ushering in a spiritually significant period for devotees.
At 5:00 PM, in the presence of Thantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanar, Melsanthi Prasad E.D. opened the sanctum sanctorum and lit the ceremonial lamp. The sacred fire ritual was then performed at the Aazhi below the revered Pathinettam Padi (18 holy steps). Subsequently, the Malikappuram shrine was opened by Malikappuram Melshanti M.G. Manu Namboothiri.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
The temple will reopen for devotees at 5:00 AM on June 15, the first day of the Mithunam month, for darshan. During the monthly pooja period, Padipuja will be conducted daily on the 18 holy steps after Sandhya Deeparadhana. The temple is scheduled to close at 10:00 PM on June 19 following the completion of the Mithunam rituals.
Cheerappanchira Mukkal Vettam Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple, regarded as the Ayodhana Kalari Sthana of Lord Ayyappa and the Moola Kudumbasthan of Malikapurathamma, also opened today for the Mithunam month rituals. The temple will remain open until June 19 and will thereafter be open for worship on every Saturday. Devotees wishing to offer prayers are welcome to visit the temple and participate in the rituals.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
Virtual Queue bookings for June remain open, enabling devotees to reserve darshan slots in advance. Accommodation facilities at Sannidhanam are also available through the Travancore Devaswom Board's online booking system.
The Devaswom Board has arranged free Annadhanam at Pampa and Sabarimala Sannidhanam, along with affordable shelters and luggage deposit facilities for pilgrims undertaking the trek.
As part of the safety measures for the ongoing Sabarimala pilgrimage, police have begun issuing safety bands for children accompanying devotees from June 14, 2026. The bands, which carry the mobile number of the parent or guardian, are being distributed at the Police Check Post located after the Pampa Ganapathi Temple and before the Neelimala trek. This initiative aims to help authorities quickly reunite children with their families in case they get separated in the crowd. Devotees travelling with children are requested to ensure that the safety bands are collected and worn before proceeding on the pilgrimage, thereby contributing to a safe and blessed Sabarimala journey.
Major rituals during the monthly pooja include Neyyabhishekam, Padi Pooja, Udayasthamana Pooja, Pushpabhishekam, Usha Pooja, Ucha Pooja, and Ashta Abhishekam.
With the monsoon season underway, devotees have been advised to carry raincoats or umbrellas, avoid the use of plastic, and follow eco-friendly practices to protect the forest ecosystem surrounding the hill shrine. Medical facilities remain operational at Pampa and Sannidhanam, while enhanced security measures, including baggage screening and identity verification, are in place.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
Authorities have also reiterated the strict ban on polythene bags in Irumudi bundles, urging pilgrims to use traditional cloth bags and environmentally friendly alternatives.
As devotees begin arriving for the Mithunam monthly pooja, temple authorities have called upon pilgrims to observe the guidelines, maintain cleanliness and uphold the sanctity of the sacred pilgrimage.