Heavy Rain at Sannidhanam; Sabarimala Temple Opens for Niraputhari Mahotsav
Sabarimala, Kerala, August 2: The Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple was opened at 5:00 PM on August 2, 2026, for the annual Niraputhari Mahotsavam rituals.
In the presence of Thantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanar, Melsanthi E.D. Prasad 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). The Malikappuram Temple was later opened by Malikappuram Melshanthi M.G. Manu Namboothiri.
The temple will reopen for devotees at 5:00 AM on August 3. The Niraputhari Mahotsavam will be celebrated from 5:40 AM to 6:20 AM on the auspicious Uthrittathi Nakshatram in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam.
As part of the festival, sacred bundles of newly harvested paddy from Palakkad, Aranmula, and Achankovil have reached Sabarimala. Many devotees also carry freshly harvested paddy on their heads to Sannidhanam and offer it to Lord Ayyappa.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has urged devotees to exercise extreme caution and avoid visiting the shrine if possible until weather conditions improve.
Bus services between Chengannur and Pampa remain operational. The temple will conduct Padi Pooja after Sandhya Deeparadhana and will remain open until 10:00 PM on August 3.
Due to continuous rainfall, a flash flood alert remains in effect for the Pampa River. Devotees are advised not to enter or bathe in the river and to strictly follow the instructions of the authorities.
The shrine will reopen at 5:00 PM on August 16 for the Chingam monthly poojas and will close at 10:00 PM on August 21. It will open again for Onam celebrations from 5:00 PM on August 24 and remain open until 10:00 PM on August 28.
Rain Advisory for Pilgrims
Devotees visiting Sabarimala have reported continuous rainfall in the hill shrine area. Authorities have issued the following safety advisory:
* Do not travel or drive during the night due to heavy rain and the risk of landslides.
* Avoid getting out of vehicles in forest or isolated areas, as wild animal movement has been reported.
* Follow the instructions of police and temple authorities at all times.
* Cooperate with officials and stay updated on weather conditions before beginning the pilgrimage.
Significance of Niraputhari
The Niraputhari Mahotsavam marks the ceremonial offering of the season's first harvested rice and paddy to Lord Ayyappa. The word "Niraputhari" comes from two Malayalam words: "Nira," meaning abundance or fullness, and "Puthari," meaning new rice.
During the ritual, freshly harvested paddy is offered before the deity as a prayer for prosperity, good harvests, and the well-being of devotees. After the ceremony, the blessed paddy is distributed to devotees as prasadam.
Celebrated during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, also known as the Ramayana Month, the festival is one of Sabarimala's important annual observances and is associated with devotion, thanksgiving, and spiritual reflection.