Sabarimala Temple Opens Today for Mandala-Makaravilakku; The Sacred Stops on the Pilgrimage Route

The Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple officially opened its doors this evening, Sunday, November 16, 2025, for the commencement of the sacred Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. While the Sannidhanam (the main temple) is the ultimate goal, the Ayyappa pilgrimage is a meticulously structured journey involving several key stops, each holding profound spiritual and historical significance. These spots, spanning the Pathanamthitta district, are crucial for completing the Vratham (vow) and observing the unique traditions of the Sabarimala Yatra.

Key Opening and Closing Dates Until March 2026

For devotees planning their Irumudi Kettu (offering bundle) and travel, note the confirmed dates for the season:

The temple will subsequently reopen for five-day monthly Pooja rituals in February (Feb 12-17) and March (Mar 14-19), 2026.

Temples and Sites Integral to the Ayyappa Legend

Pilgrims adhere to a strict sequence of rituals at several important locations en route to the hill shrine:

1. Erumeli: The Gateway of Harmony

• Significance: Erumeli is historically linked to Lord Ayyappa’s victory over the demoness Mahishi. It is here that pilgrims perform the Petta Thullal, a vibrant, ritualistic dance symbolizing the joy of Ayyappa’s victory.
• Unique Feature: Erumeli is famous for embodying communal harmony, as pilgrims must worship at both the Erumeli Sree Dharmasastha Temple and the adjacent Vavar Mosque (Vavar Palli), dedicated to Ayyappa’s Muslim companion, Vavar Swami.

2. Pampa River: The Holy Bath

• Significance: Pampa is the base camp for the final, arduous trek up to the Sannidhanam. Devotees take a ceremonial, sacred bath in the Pampa River, symbolizing purification before the final climb.
• Key Site: The Pampa Ganapathy Temple is located here, where pilgrims seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for an obstacle-free journey.

3. Pandalam Palace: The Royal Connection

• Significance: This is the ancestral royal home of Lord Ayyappa, who was raised as the adopted son of the King of Pandalam.
• Key Ritual: The most revered procession, the Thiruvabharanam (Sacred Ornaments) procession, starts from the Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Temple carrying the ornaments that will adorn the Ayyappa idol for the Makara Vilakku festival.

4. Malikkappuram Devi Temple

• Significance: Located within the main complex, this temple is dedicated to Malikkappurathamma, believed to be the divine consort of Lord Ayyappa.
• The Ritual: Pilgrims generally conclude their pilgrimage with a visit here, particularly the Kanni Ayyappas (first-time pilgrims), who traditionally cast an arrow at a designated spot.

The Divine Steps – Pathinettam Padi

The most sacred element of the final approach is the Pathinettam Padi (18 Sacred Steps). These steps represent the 18 hills surrounding the temple or the 18 instruments of knowledge. Only pilgrims carrying the Irumudi Kettu (the two-compartment cloth bundle containing offerings) are permitted to ascend the steps, cementing the spiritual completion of their 41-day Vratham.

The successful opening today allows millions to begin this physically and spiritually demanding journey through the dense Periyar Tiger Reserve, ensuring an unbroken tradition of devotion.

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