Sabarimala Temple to Open on October 17 for Thulam Masa Pooja; Virtual Queue Booking Mandatory
Sabarimala: The Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple will open at 5:00 PM on Saturday, October 17, for the Thulam Masa Pooja.
Virtual Queue darshan tickets and accommodation bookings for the Thulam Masa Pooja have been released. Virtual Queue booking is mandatory for darshan.
Devotees who are unable to book Virtual Queue tickets online can avail themselves of the spot booking facility at Pamba. However, the number of tickets available through spot booking is limited compared to online bookings. Therefore, devotees are advised to book their darshan tickets online in advance to avoid inconvenience.
On the opening day, 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 Malikapurathamma Temple.
No special poojas will be conducted on the opening day. The temple will reopen for darshan at 5:00 AM on Sunday, October 18, marking the beginning of the Thulam Masa Pooja.
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 conducted, 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 selection of the new Melsanthis of Sabarimala and Malikappuram will be held on October 18 after the Usha Pooja. The selected priests will assume charge on November 16 for a one-year term beginning on the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrischikam. Children designated by the Pandalam Palace will arrive at Sannidhanam with irumudikkettu to draw lots for the selection.
The temple will remain open until 10:00 PM on October 22, following the completion of the Thulam Masa Pooja.
Following the completion of the Thulam Masa Pooja, the temple will reopen at 5:00 PM on November 6 for the Chithira Attathirunal celebrations, scheduled for November 7.
Pilgrims planning to visit Sabarimala for the thulam 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.
KSRTC Special Services for Pilgrims
The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will operate special services to facilitate the movement of Ayyappa devotees during the Thulam Masa Pooja.
The last direct KSRTC bus from Chengannur to Pampa will depart at 4:00 PM on October 22, the final day of the Thulam Masa Pooja. However, KSRTC bus services from Pampa to Chengannur will be available 24 hours a day, ensuring convenient return travel for pilgrims.
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.