The main pilgrimage season is from 14 Nov to 20th Jan every year. This season encompasses Mandala pooja and Makara Vilakku celebrations. Immediately after Mandala pooja, the temple closes for five days prior to re-opening for the the Makaravilakku session. The most auspicious moment is `Makara Vilakku' celebrations on `Makara Sankranti' day which generally falls on Jan 14th. On this day, at dusk, Lord Ayyappa's idol is adorned with Thiruvabharanam (Divine Ornaments of Ayyappa) brought from the home of his ancestors (Pandalam Maharajah at Pandalam Palace). After this the doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum are thrown open for the 'Aarti'. It is at this time that the Divine Light `Makara Jyothi' is visible at `Ponnambalamedu". However, the rush of pilgrims is so much on that day that many pilgrims prefer visiting during other days/seasons.
In order of `rush' of pilgrims, the most crowded day is Makara Sankranti. In fact, during the period between Vrischikam 1st and Makarom 1st(14 Nov to 14 Jan), there is a heavy rush of pilgrims. There is insufficient place for car parking at Pampa and at times the cars have to be parked many many kilometres away.
Next comes `Onam' days and then `Vishu'. Thiruvonam (falls approximately during the third week of August) is in the Malayalam month of Chingam. Vishu (Apr 13/14/15) is in the Malayalam month of Medam. These are again days when a fairly large number of pilgrims visit the temple. During Vishu, the temple remains open till 20th of the month.
During
the other monthly opening days of the temple, the flow of
pilgrims is less. The surroundings of the temple are much more
peaceful and one can visit the temple more peacefully and
leisurely.
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