Sabarimala Darshan Tickets Released for Mandala Kalam; Nominee Details Mandatory for Every Pilgrim
Pathanamthitta: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has released Virtual Queue darshan booking slots for the upcoming Sabarimala Mandala Kalam pilgrimage season through its upgraded online booking portal, www.sabarimalaonline.org.
Darshan slots have been released for November 6 and 7 in connection with the Chithira Attathirunal festival. Bookings are also available for the Mandala pilgrimage period from November 17 to December 25, 2026.
Virtual Queue tickets for December 26 and 27, including the Mandala Pooja period, will be released separately with restrictions aimed at controlling pilgrim crowds. Darshan bookings for the Makaravilakku Mahotsavam are expected to be released in December.
The Travancore Devaswom Board has also upgraded the Sabarimala Virtual Queue website interface, introducing changes to the booking process, including mandatory trekking route selection and nominee details for each pilgrim.
Under the revised booking system, pilgrims must select their intended trekking route while reserving darshan slots. Those travelling through Pampa can choose the Pampa–Marakkootam Route, while pilgrims taking the traditional forest path from Erumeli can select the Erumeli–Kalaketti Traditional Route. Devotees travelling through Vandiperiyar, Sathram and Pulmedu can select the Vandiperiyar–Sathram–Pulmedu Route.
Another important change is the introduction of mandatory nominee details. Pilgrims must now provide a nominee's name for each person included in the booking. The requirement has been introduced in view of pilgrim safety concerns.
The portal continues to offer the existing online prasadam booking facility, allowing pilgrims to reserve Aravana, Appam, Abhishekam Ghee, Manjal and Kumkum, and Vibhoothi along with their darshan bookings.
After completing the booking process, pilgrims will receive a receipt in a new format. Those who book prasadam online can collect their items from the designated prasadam distribution counters at Sannidhanam by presenting their prasadam booking receipt.
 |
| new darshan ticket format |
Pilgrims travelling through Pampa must present their Virtual Queue tickets at the Pampa checking counter for verification before proceeding towards Sannidhanam.
Virtual Queue darshan booking remains completely free. During the reservation process, pilgrims may voluntarily contribute Rs 5 or more towards the Pilgrim Relief Fund. This contribution is not mandatory. Donations towards the General Fund for sanitation and cleanliness are also optional.
For the Mandala-Makaravilakku season, the daily Virtual Queue booking limit has been fixed at 66,000 pilgrims, including 60,000 slots through the Nilakkal–Pampa route, 3,000 through the Erumeli traditional forest route and 3,000 through the Vandiperiyar Sathram route.
Additionally, 14,000 pilgrims will be accommodated through spot booking facilities daily. Of these, 10,000 slots will be available at Nilakkal, while Erumeli and Vandiperiyar Sathram will each provide 2,000 slots. The combined online and spot booking arrangements will accommodate up to 80,000 pilgrims per day.
However, spot booking facilities will not be available at Pampa during the pilgrimage season, following the Kerala High Court's directions to reduce congestion and improve pilgrim movement. Devotees without advance Virtual Queue reservations must use the designated spot booking centres at Nilakkal, Erumeli or Vandiperiyar Sathram.
Pilgrims planning to visit Sabarimala are advised to book their darshan slots in advance, select the correct trekking route, provide accurate nominee details and keep their darshan and prasadam booking receipts ready for verification and collection.
Official Virtual Queue Booking Website: https://www.sabarimalaonline.org