Sabarimala Temple - Opening and Closing Dates

Ghee Abhishekham - During Mandala Pooja Festival 2007-08

Due to large crowds of pilgrims, these timings are subject to changes depending on the convenience of the temple authorities

Morning - From 0400 Hrs till 1130 hrs.
Closes at 1300 hrs.
Evening - From 1730 hrs.
Last time for Neyyabhishekam has not yet been ascertained.
Harivarasanm at 2300 hrs.
25 Nov 97

Earlier, the main temple Ulsavam was being held during December every year which is in the midst of the peak pilgrimage session. The Ulsavam rituals necessitated the temple being closed for  various durations thus preventing an opportunity for a `darshan' for many pilgrims.

Hence, commencing from the year 2006, it has been decided to hold the Ulsavam during the period 2nd April to 16th April every year.

Some of the events that take place during the main festival in April 2008
(Exact dates and times for these events will be ascertained later)

• Prior to the Utsavam, Shudhi Kriyas consisting of  Prasada Shudhi, Vaastu Bali, Vaastu Punyaham, Mulayidil will be performed.

• Bimba Shudhi Kriyas consisting of Chathu Shudhi, Dhara, Panchakam, Panchagavyam and 25 Kalasam will be performed.

• Kodiyettam (Temple Flag Hoisting)  will be conducted during Makara Rasi. On Kodiyettam day, no Neyyabhishekham will be performed from  0700 hrs. It will re-commence after Kodiyettam.

• Sribhutha Bali will be performed.

• Utsava Bali will be performed. The Lord will be taken to special mandapam for the Utsava Bali. The ceremonies will commence at about 1300 hrs and will be over by about 1600 hrs. Utsava Bali darshan will be from 1400 hrs. On these days.

• Palli Vetta will be undertaken.

• Villkku Ezhunallipu.

• Arattu to Pampa.

• As the Siveli Vigraham will be away at Pampa on the Aarattu day from morning till evening,  temple darshan will not be possible till the Vigraham returns to the temple  after the Aarattu.

Standard Schedule of Rituals at Sabarimala Temple

During Makaravilakku season, the temple opening is at 0300 hrs and closing at 2300 hrs. So some of the pooja timings will shift up and down. Essentially, this is the trend of events.

Notes from Ayyappa Seva Sangham:-

Pilgrims who have not undergone traditional `vrutham' are prohibited from carrying `Irumudi' or climbing the holy `Pathinettam Padi'. They should use the side entrance.

On the first day of any session, the temple opens at 1730 hrs.

Singing of ``Harivarasnam' and closing of the Sanctum Sanctorum doors takes place at around 2230 hrs.

Devotees coming to Sabarimala on pilgrimage should be aware of the traditional religious practices, related to the temple, and should abide by these. Only pilgrims with Irumudi Kettu will be permitted to climb `Pathinettam Padi' (Holy Eighteen Steps). Women in the age group of 10 to 50 years will not be allowed `temple darshan' and they will not be permitted to go beyond Pampa. Police check post exists at Pampa to enforce this.

As per the orders of the Kerala High Court, in order to prevent environmental pollution, usage of carry bags made of plastic, polythene etc are strictly prohibited in Pampa area and all roads/paths to `Sannidhanam' and surroundings of `Sannidhanam'. Smoking is also strictly prohibited in the above areas.  Production / carriage / distribution / consumption of alcoholic / narcotic substances are also strictly prohibited. Those found guilty would find themselves in serious trouble with the law enforcement/excise authorities. 

All pilgrims are humbly requested to co-operate with Devaswom Board Authorities and Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangham authorities for the successful and orderly conduct of the festival as well as maintenance of the sanctity of the pilgrimage.                                                     

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