Hundreds of devotees thronged the famed Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala on Monday, marking the auspicious beginning of the Malayalam month ‘Vrischikam’ and the commencement of the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. This pilgrimage holds immense significance for thousands of devotees in Kerala and beyond.
Dressed in traditional black attire and carrying the sacred irumudikkettu, pilgrims from various parts of India stood in long queues, eagerly waiting to offer their prayers. The temple’s portals opened at dawn, officiated by the newly appointed melsanthi (chief priest) E.D. Prasad Namboothiri, as vibrant chants of Lord Ayyappa’s hymns resonated throughout the complex.
The opening ceremony took place in the presence of the tantri (head priest) Kantararu Mahesh Mohanaru, as reported by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). Officials noted that a considerable influx of pilgrims began as early as dawn, signaling the profound devotion surrounding this occasion.
Devaswom Board Secretary P.N. Ganeswaran Potti, Sabarimala Executive Officer O.G. Biju, and other officials marked their presence during this significant event. When the shrine opened at 3 a.m., long queues extended across the nadapandal (covered walkway) and sopanam (holy steps), underscoring the immense devotion of the participants.
Following the opening of the sanctum sanctorum, ritualistic practices commenced, including Nirmalya Abhishekam, Ganapathi Homam, and Neyyabhishekam. The temple will close at 1 p.m., reopen at 3 p.m., and finally close at 11 p.m. with the chanting of “Harivarasanam,” the sacred lullaby honoring Lord Ayyappa.
On Sunday evening, the temple underwent a ceremonial opening, paving the way for a two-month-long pilgrimage season expected to draw devotees from across the globe. The anticipation surrounding this annual event emphasizes its importance as a spiritual journey for countless believers.
Moreover, the installation ceremony of the newly appointed melsanthis of the Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples took place on Sunday, marking a significant administrative transition at this revered site. To manage the anticipated rush effectively, the TDB has capped the daily number of pilgrims at 90,000—comprising 70,000 via the virtual queue system and 20,000 through spot booking.
The Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season represents not only a time for devotion but also a cultural gathering that unites devotees across diverse backgrounds. This year’s expected influx of visitors highlights the continuing legacy of faith and tradition at Sabarimala, ensuring that the Lord Ayyappa Temple remains a pivotal landmark in India’s spiritual landscape.