Sabarimala to Open on September 16 for Kanni Masa Pooja; Virtual-Q Mandatory, Pilgrim Facilities
Sabarimala: The Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple will open at 5:00 PM on September 16 for the Kanni Masa pooja.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
Virtual Queue darshan tickets and accommodation bookings for Sabarimala have been released. Virtual Queue booking is mandatory for pilgrims visiting the temple.
The Sabarimala “viri” facility is a traditional resting arrangement for pilgrims, where they can use a mat or bedspread to rest or sleep on the floor at a nominal cost. Viri facilities are available at Sannidhanam near the Annadanam Mandapam, as well as at Pampa and Nilakkal.
A locker room facility is managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board at Pampa, allowing pilgrims to safely store their belongings for a nominal charge. The facility provides a convenient option for devotees who need to keep their luggage and other personal items securely while proceeding for darshan.
At 5:00 PM on September 16, 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 along with Keezhsanthi B. Ganesh Prasad and light the sacred fire in the homa kundam at the lower temple courtyard.
Following the opening of the Sabarimala shrine, Malikappuram Melsanthi M.G. Manu Namboothiri will open the Malikappuram Temple.
No special poojas will be conducted on the opening day. The temple will open for darshan at 5:00 AM on Thursday, September 17, marking Kanni 1 of Malayalam Era 1202 (1202 ME).
The day's rituals 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.
At the Malikappuram Temple, Bhagavathi Seva and Ganapathi Homam will be conducted under the guidance of Malikappuram Melsanthi M.G. Manu Namboothiri.
At Sannidhanam, Kalabhabhishekam and Uchapooja will be performed, 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 September 21, following the completion of the Kanni Masa pooja.
Pilgrims planning to visit Sabarimala for the Kanni Masa pooja must book their darshan through the Virtual Queue facility. 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.
Pilgrims are advised to carry raincoats and umbrellas, as rainfall may occur during their visit to Sabarimala.
KSRTC Special Services for Pilgrims
The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has arranged special services to facilitate the movement of Ayyappa devotees during the Kanni Masa pooja.
The last direct KSRTC bus from Chengannur to Pampa will depart at 4:00 PM on September 21, the final day of the Kanni Masa pooja. However, KSRTC bus services from Pampa to Chengannur will be available 24 hours a day, ensuring convenient return travel for pilgrims.
Devotees travelling to Sabarimala are advised to plan their journey accordingly and check the latest KSRTC service timings before departure.
Room Check-in Process at Sannidhanam
Pilgrims who have reserved accommodation at Sannidhanam must first report to the Accommodation Centre to complete the check-in formalities. After verification, the staff will provide details of the allotted accommodation block and room number.
Pilgrims must then proceed to the assigned accommodation building, where the room keys will be handed over. Sleeping mats and pillows are available for ₹50 per person, while bed sheets can be obtained for ₹100.
All items issued to pilgrims, including sleeping mats, pillows and bed sheets, must be returned to the allotted accommodation building before check-out.
After vacating the room, pilgrims must complete the check-out formalities at the Accommodation Centre. The refundable caution deposit paid at the time of booking will be processed only after the check-out procedure is completed.