Key Takeaways
- The temple opens on November 15, 2023, for Mandalapooja and closes on December 26, 2023.
- It reopens for Makaravilakku from December 30, 2023, to January 20, 2024.
- Neyyabhishekam Pooja begins at 4:00 a.m., Ucha Pooja at 1:00 p.m., and the Evening Padi Pooja includes aarti.
- Udayasthamana Pooja lasts from sunrise to sunset and includes several poojas.
- Book your visit on the official website, sabarimalaonline.org, for specific dates and times.
Introduction to Sabarimala Temple
Located in Kerala’s lush forests, the Sabarimala Temple is a famous pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. It draws millions every year from all backgrounds, promoting a strong sense of unity.
The path to the temple is arduous, representing a journey of self-cleansing and spiritual growth. Pilgrims observe a strict 41-day fast and engage in rigorous rituals, showing their commitment and discipline.
The temple’s design merges with nature and features traditional Kerala architecture. Inside, the deity sits in meditation, highlighting peace and the deep renunciation at the heart of this pilgrimage.
Sabarimala Temple Opening Dates and Timings 2023-24
Annual opening and closing dates
Are you planning to visit Sabarimala Temple next year? It’s important to know the opening and closing dates, based on the traditional Malayalam calendar.
| Month | Pooja | Opening Date & Time | Closing Date & Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 2023 | Mandala Pooja Maholsavam | 16/11/2023 (5:00 PM) | 27/12/2023 (10:00 PM) |
| December 2023 | Madala Pooja | 27/12/2023 | |
| December 2023 | Thirunadai Thirappu, Makaravilakku Mahotsavam | ||
| January 2024 | Makaravilakku Day | 15/01/2024 | |
| February 2024 | Monthly Pooja: Kumbham | 13/02/2024 (5:00 PM) | 18/02/2024 (10:00 PM) |
| March 2024 | Monthly Pooja: Meenam | 13/03/2024 (5:00 PM) | 18/03/2024 (10:00 PM) |
| March 2024 | Sabarimala Utsavam | 15/03/2024 (5:00 PM) | 25/03/2024 (10:00 PM) |
| March 2024 | Kodiyettu | 16/03/2024 | |
| March 2024 | Pankuni Uthram & Arattu | 25/03/2024 | |
| April 2024 | Meda Vishu Festival | 10/04/2024 (5:00 PM) | 18/04/2024 (10:00 PM) |
| April 2024 | Vishu | 14/04/2024 | |
| May 2024 | Monthly Pooja: Edavam | 14/05/2024 (5:00 PM) | 19/05/2024 (10:00 PM) |
| May 2024 | Idol Installation Pooja | 18/05/2024 (5:00 PM) | 19/05/2024 (10:00 PM) |
| June 2024 | Monthly Pooja: Midhunam | 14/06/2024 (5:00 PM) | 19/06/2024 (10:00 PM) |
| July 2024 | Monthly Pooja: Karkkidakam | 15/07/2024 (5:00 PM) | 20/07/2024 (10:00 PM) |
| August 2024 | Monthly Pooja: Chingam | 16/08/2024 (5:00 PM) | 21/08/2024 (10:00 PM) |
| September 2024 | Onam Pooja | 13/09/2024 (5:00 PM) | 17/09/2024 (10:00 PM) |
| September 2024 | Monthly Pooja: Kanni | 16/09/2024 (5:00 PM) | 21/09/2024 (10:00 PM) |
| September 2024 | Onam Day | 15/09/2024 | |
| October 2024 | Monthly Pooja: Thulam | 16/10/2024 (5:00 PM) | 21/10/2024 (10:00 PM) |
| October 2024 | Sree Chithra Atta Thirunal | 30/10/2024 (5:00 PM) | 31/10/2024 (10:00 PM) |
| November 2024 | Mandala Pooja Maholsavam | 15/11/2024 (5:00 PM) | 26/12/2024 (10:00 PM) |
| December 2024 | Madala Pooja | 26/12/2024 | |
| December 2024 | Thirunadai Thirappu, Makaravilakku Mahotsavam | 30/12/2024 | 19/01/2025 |
| January 2025 | Makaravilakku Day | 14/01/2025 |
Pooja timings
For devotees visiting Sabarimala Temple during the 2023-24 season, it’s essential to know the pooja schedule. The day starts early with the Neyyabhishekam at 4:00 a.m., where devotees pour ghee on the deity, symbolizing a spiritual union. This goes on until the Ucha Pooja at 1:00 p.m.
Morning Puja Timings
| Puja List | Time |
|---|---|
| Opening of Sanctum Sanctorum | 4:00 AM |
| Nirmalya Darshanam | 4:05 AM |
| Ganapati homam | 4:15 AM |
| Neyyabhishekam | 4:15 AM to 12:00 Noon |
| Usha Pooja | 7:30 AM |
| Kalabhabhishekam | 12:30 PM |
| Ucha pooja | 1:00 PM |
| Closing of Sanctum Sanctorum | 1:30 PM |
Evening Puja Timings
| Puja List | Time |
|---|---|
| Opening of Sanctum Sanctorum | 4:00 PM |
| Deeparadhana | 6:30 PM |
| Pushpabhishekam | 7:00 PM |
| Athazha pooja | 10:30 PM |
| Harivarasanam | 10:50 PM |
| Closing of Sanctum Sanctorum | 11:00 PM |
In the evening, the Padi Pooja involves the sacred 18 steps and ends with a lively aarti. The Udayasthamana Pooja happens from sunrise to sunset, including 15 poojas before noon, designed to help fulfill devotees’ prayers.
Festival calendar
The Sabarimala Temple, deeply respected by many, has set its opening and closing dates for the 2023-24 season to match various religious events and practices. The temple’s celebrations start with the Mandalapooja in mid-November and end with the Makaravilakku in January.
Pilgrims look forward to Makaravilakku, highlighted by a celestial light on the horizon representing divine presence. Other important events are the Thulam Pooja and Sankranti Pooja, which draw thousands of devotees seeking blessings. The schedule follows the Malayalam calendar to keep with traditions. Devotees should check the exact dates and plan their visits accordingly.
How to Book Darshan and Important Information
Booking through sabarimalaonline.org
Booking a visit to Sabarimala Temple is accessible through the official website, sabarimalaonline.org. The site has clear information and is easy to use, helping you book darshan slots on specific dates and times according to the temple’s schedule. It also shows slot availability in real time, which helps in planning your visit.
To book, you need to create an account on the website. This lets you manage your bookings, check your darshan ticket status, and get confirmation emails. It’s best to book early, as slots fill up quickly during busy seasons. The website ensures safe payments and offers different payment methods to suit everyone.
Special events and rituals
Booking your visit to Sabarimala Temple is the first step to joining the special events and rituals there. You must use the temple’s official online site to reserve your spot in a virtual queue. This system helps organise the pilgrimage, especially during busy times like Makaravilakku.
Make sure to choose the exact date and time you want to visit. The website also provides details about rituals like Neyyabhishekam and Padi Pooja. Follow the timings and rules listed on the portal to have a meaningful and smooth experience at the temple.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sabarimala Temple provides a profoundly spiritual experience. According to the Malayalam calendar, it opens on specific dates. If you plan to visit, make sure to check these dates carefully each year.
Participating in the temple’s sacred rituals, such as Neyyabhishekam, Padi Pooja, and Udayasthamana Pooja, enriches pilgrims’ spiritual journeys. Set in a quiet forest, a trip to Sabarimala is a proper search for inner peace and divine blessings. Each visit offers a unique and lasting spiritual impact.
Deepak Sharma is a passionate writer and avid traveler who specializes in uncovering the beauty and history of India’s attractions and temples. A graduate of Delhi University, Deepak has a deep-rooted love for his country and its rich cultural heritage.