Devotees Flock to Sabarimala for Mandalam-Makaravilakku Season

Hundreds of devotees thronged the iconic Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala on Monday, marking the beginning of the Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season during the auspicious first day of the Malayalam month ‘Vrischikam.’ The anticipation built for months culminated in this annual event, drawing pilgrims from across Kerala and beyond.

Devotees, dressed in traditional black attire and carrying the sacred irumudikkettu, formed long lines that stretched across the temple complex. The newly appointed melsanthi (chief priest) E.D. Prasad Namboothiri opened the temple doors amid fervent chants of Lord Ayyappa’s hymns.

The opening ceremony featured the presence of tantri (head priest) Kantararu Mahesh Mohanaru and several officials from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). According to TDB officials, a heavy rush of pilgrims started arriving even before dawn, a testament to the temple’s spiritual allure.

As the sacred shrine opened its doors at 3 a.m., crowds had already gathered, eager to offer their prayers and receive blessings. The atmosphere resonated with faith as rituals like Nirmalya Abhishekam, Ganapathi Homam, and Neyyabhishekam took place shortly after. The temple’s operational hours involve closing at 1 p.m., reopening at 3 p.m., and finally closing again at 11 p.m. with the melodious chanting of “Harivarasanam”, the lullaby of Lord Ayyappa.

The temple had undergone ceremonial opening on Sunday evening, marking the commencement of the two-month-long pilgrimage season, which typically attracts devotees from across the globe. This season seems especially momentous, as Sabarimala continues to hold a special place in the hearts of millions.

The installation of the new melshanthis for both Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples also took place on Sunday. To ensure a smooth experience for the pilgrims, the TDB has implemented a cap of 90,000 devotees each day—70,000 permitted through the virtual queue system and an additional 20,000 through spot bookings.

The pilgrimage season at Sabarimala holds deep religious significance for countless Hindus, symbolizing faith, austerity, and devotion. As excitement builds around the Mandalam-Makaravilakku festival, this year’s influx of devotees promises to echo the temple’s rich tradition of spirituality and communal harmony.