Sabarimala pilgrimage: Mandala season to begin on Saturday; temple opens Friday

The 41-day Mandala season of Sabarimala will begin on Saturday, marking an important period in the annual tradition. The opening puja will take place on Friday to kick off the season. Devotees from across the country will embark on the sacred journey from Pampa to Sannidhanam, with pilgrims being escorted after 11:00 am on Friday. The current Melshanti (chief priest) of the temple, P. N. Mahesh Namboothiri, will open the sanctum sanctorum by 4:00 pm, signalling the beginning of the Mandala season. This season is pivotal in the Sabarimala pilgrimage, as devotees seek spiritual enlightenment, purification, and closeness to Lord Ayyappa.

As the shrine lamp illuminates the temple, devotees, who arrive with devotion, are greeted by Lord Ayyappa after his yogic sleep, illuminating the divine presence. Pilgrims will make their way to the 18th step of the temple, known as the "Pathinettampadi.” After the evening Deeparadhana (lamp offering), the ceremony of inaugurating the new set of priests will take place, before the temple closes at 11:00 pm.

Continuous pilgrimage and key rituals

The pilgrimage will continue without interruption for 62 days, with devotees having the opportunity for darshan (sight of the deity) for 18 hours each day. The new Melshanti, S. Arun Kumar Namboothiri, will officially open the temple gate at 3:00 am on Saturday, marking the commencement of the flow of pilgrims into the temple for darshan.

Among the key events during this period, the Mandala puja will be held on December 26. The celebrations will culminate with Makara Vilakku, the highlight of the pilgrimage season, on January 14.