Sabarimala Opens for Onam Pooja Today; TDB to Conduct Thiruvonam Sadya
Sabarimala: The Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple will open at 5:00 PM today (August 24) for the Onam pooja. In the presence of Thantri Kandararu Brahmadathan, Melsanthi E.D. Prasad Namboothiri will open the sanctum sanctorum and light the ceremonial lamp. He will then descend the Pathinettam Padi and light the sacred fire in the homa kundam at the lower temple courtyard.
The Malikappuram shrine will subsequently be opened by Malikappuram Melsanthi M.G. Manu Namboothiri.
No special poojas will be held on the opening day. The temple will open for darshan at 5:00 AM on Tuesday, August 25. The day will begin with Nirmalya Darshan and Abhishekam at 5:00 AM, followed by Ganapathi Homam at the eastern mandapam under the guidance of the Thantri. Neyyabhishekam, Ashtabhishekam and Ushapooja will be conducted from 5:30 AM.
Kalabhabhishekam and Uchapooja will be held at Sannidhanam, after which the temple will close at 1:00 PM. The shrine will reopen at 4:00 PM. Deeparadhana will be held at 6:30 PM, followed by Padi Pooja, Pushabhishekam and Athazha Pooja.
All official links for Virtual Q, Pooja Bookings, accommodation and other Sabarimala services are available at www.sabarimalaupdate.in., along with booking guidance and details of the requirements for devotees.
Thiruvonam Sadya at Sannidhanam
Thiruvonam will be celebrated on August 26. This year, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) will directly conduct the Thiruvonam Sadya at Sabarimala. Arrangements have been completed to serve the traditional feast to pilgrims arriving at Sannidhanam.
The TDB has also tightened regulations to prevent unauthorised collection of funds in the name of Sabarimala. Measures have been introduced to ensure that donations and sponsorships connected with the temple are collected only through authorised channels.
Padi Pooja is generally conducted at Sannidhanam at 6:00 PM every evening, except on temple opening days.
The temple will remain open until 10:00 PM on August 28 following the completion of the Onam pooja.
Pilgrims planning to visit Sabarimala for the Onam Festival are required to book darshan through the Virtual Queue facility. Booking guidance and links for Virtual Queue registration and accommodation are available through the official Sabarimala portal.
KSRTC Arranges Special Services
To ensure safe and convenient travel for Ayyappa devotees, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has made extensive arrangements in connection with the Onam Festival. Special services will be operated to facilitate the movement of pilgrims to and from the Pampa bus station.
Facilities for Pilgrims
Before commencing the trek to Sabarimala, devotees can avail themselves of free meals at the Annadhanam Mandapam centres at Pampa and Sabarimala Sannidhanam, operated by the Travancore Devaswom Board. Pilgrims can also make use of shelters and accommodation facilities provided by the Board at nominal charges. In addition, luggage counters are available at Pampa, where devotees can safely deposit their belongings for a minimal fee before undertaking the pilgrimage.
Travel and Environmental and Safety Guidelines
Devotees have been advised to carry raincoats and umbrellas, as intermittent showers are expected during the ongoing monsoon season.
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.