Sabarimala Temple to Open Today for Chingam Pooja; Pampa Melsanthi, Sannidhanam Keezhshanthi Selection on Monday
Sabarimala: The Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple will open at 5:00 PM today (August 16) for the Chingam Masa 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.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
No special poojas will be held on the opening day. The temple will open for darshan at 5:00 AM on Monday, August 17, which marks Chingam 1 and the beginning of the Malayalam new year 1202 ME.
The day will begin with Nirmalya Darshan and Abhishekam at 5:00 AM. Ganapathi Homam will be performed at the eastern mandapam under the guidance of the Thantri. Neyyabhishekam, Ashtabhishekam and Ushapooja will follow from 5:30 AM.
The draw for the Sannidhanam Keezhshanthi, also known as the Ulkazhakam, will be held after the Ushapooja. The Ulkazhakam assists the Melsanthi in performing temple rituals. The draw for the Pampa Melsanthi will be held at 9:00 AM at the Pampa Ganapathy Temple.
Kalabhabhishekam and Uchapooja will be conducted 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.
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 21 after the completion of the Chingam Masa pooja. It will reopen at 5:00 PM on August 24 for the Onam celebrations. Onam will be celebrated on August 26 with special rituals, and the shrine will remain open until 10:00 PM on August 28.
Pilgrims planning to visit Sabarimala for the Chingam Masa pooja must book their darshan through the Virtual Queue facility. Booking Guidance and links for Virtual Queue booking and accommodation are available at www.sabarimalauptodate.in.
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 Chingam Masa pooja and Onam celebrations. Special services will be operated to facilitate the movement of pilgrims to and from pampa bus station.