Sabarimala (Kerala): The sacred groves of the Western Ghats are set to echo with the chants of "Swami Saranam" once again as the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple opens its doors at 5 pm this Friday for the annual Vishu festival. This period marks one of the most significant dates in the Malayalam calendar, drawing thousands of pilgrims from across Southern India to the hilltop shrine.

Sacred rituals and Vishu kani

The temple doors will be opened by Melshanthi E D Prasad Namboothiri, under the guidance of the Tantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanararu. While the daily rituals begin immediately, the spiritual highlight occurs on Vishu day on April 15.

On Vishu morning, the sanctum sanctorum will open at 4 am for the Vishu Kani—the tradition of viewing auspicious items including gold, fruits and flowers before the deity at dawn. Following the darshan, the Tantri and Melshanthi will distribute Vishu Kaineettam (token coins) to the gathering of devotees, symbolising a year of prosperity.

Festival schedule and daily poojas

For the duration of the festival, the temple will maintain a strict schedule of traditional offerings. Aside from the early opening on Vishu day, the doors will open daily at 5 am. The festival will feature elaborate rituals such as

  • Kalabhabhishekam: The pouring of consecrated sandalwood paste over the idol.
  • Padi pooja: A highly decorative and spiritual ritual performed on the 18 sacred steps.

Pilgrim information

In line with modern crowd management protocols, the Travancore Devaswom Board has mandated that all devotees must pre-book their visit through the official digital portal, sabarimalaonline.org. The temple will remain open for five days of festivities before the doors close at 10 pm on April 18.