Sabarimala Makaravilakku: Padi Pooja, Darshan & Neyyabhishekam Updates

The sacred Padi Pooja, one of the most important rituals of the Sabarimala Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, began on January 16. The ritual is performed at the holy Pathinettam Padi (18 sacred steps), which devotees ascend after observing strict vratham and penance to have darshan of Lord Ayyappa.

Significance of Padi Pooja

Padi Pooja is a deeply spiritual ritual that symbolizes purity, devotion, and surrender. During the ceremony, offerings such as flowers, silk garments, and lamps are placed at the sacred steps.

The puja begins at 6.45 pm after Deeparadhana and lasts for nearly one hour. During this time, devotees are not allowed inside the temple.

The ritual is performed by Thantri Kantarar Mahesh Mohan and Melshanthi E.D. Prasad Namboothiri.

Neyyabhishekam Only Till January 18

As part of the Makaravilakku season rituals, Neyyabhishekam will be conducted only until January 18. Devotees planning darshan are advised to complete their pilgrimage before this date.

Sabarimala Temple Ritual Schedule – January 16

• Temple Opening: 3.00 am
• Nirmalayam & Abhishekam: 3.00 am – 3.30 am
• Ganapathi Homam: from 3.20 am
• Neyyabhishekam: 3.30 am – 11.00 am
• Usha Pooja: 7.30 am – 8.00 am
• Kalasham & Kalabham: 11.30 am – 12.00 noon
• Afternoon Pooja: 12.00 noon
• Temple Closing: 1.00 pm

Devotees are advised to plan their darshan accordingly and follow temple guidelines.

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa

Evening Temple Timings & Rituals

The Sabarimala temple reopens at 3.00 pm after the noon closure. The important evening rituals are scheduled as follows:

• Deeparadhana: 6.30 pm
• Padi Pooja: from 6.45 pm
• Dinner Pooja: 8.30 pm

Darshan is available daily from 9.00 am to 10.00 pm. The day concludes with the sacred chanting of Harivarasanam at 10.50 pm, followed by temple closing at 11.00 pm.

Important Announcements for Devotees

As part of the Makaravilakku festival, the following important announcements have been issued for Ayyappa devotees:

• Spot booking counters will function until January 19, the last day of darshan.
• Spot booking is available at Pampa, Nilakkal, and Erumeli.
• Virtual Queue booking will also remain open until January 19.
• Devotees can have darshan of Lord Ayyappa adorned with the Thiruvabharanam until January 17.
• The Sabarimala temple will remain open for devotees until January 19,  with darshan concluding at 10.00 pm on that day.

Neyyabhishekam Schedule

• Neyyabhishekam will be performed only until 9.00 am on January 18.
• No Neyyabhishekam will be performed on January 19.

Festival Conclusion & Traditional Ceremonies

On January 19, the Guruthi ritual will be performed at the Malikappuram area. The Mandala–Makaravilakku festival will officially conclude on January 20, following the darshan by the representative of the Pandalam Landlord Family.

As per long-standing tradition, the keys of the temple and the bag containing the temple’s offerings (money, gold, silver, and revenue) are ceremonially handed over to the Pandalam family (Zamindar).

Historically, the hill tribes were the original custodians of the temple. During the Travancore era and later under British administration, revenue and custodial responsibilities were entrusted to the Pandalam family, who played a key intermediary role until the end of colonial rule.

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa