Hundreds of devotees gathered at the renowned Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala on Monday, celebrating the auspicious start of the Malayalam month ‘Vrischikam’ and the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage.
The temple opened its doors early morning, and devotees dressed in traditional black attire queued for hours with the sacred irumudikkettu, showcasing their devotion. The opening ceremony featured the newly appointed melsanthi (chief priest), E.D. Prasad Namboothiri, leading the rituals amidst the powerful chants of Lord Ayyappa’s hymns that resonated through the holy complex.
Present at this significant event were tantri (head priest) Kantararu Mahesh Mohanaru and several officials from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). According to the TDB, a heavy flow of pilgrims started even before dawn, indicating the devotion surrounding this pilgrimage season.
As the shrine officially opened at 3 a.m., long queues stretched across the nadapandal (covered walkway) and the holy sopanam (steps). TDB Secretary P.N. Ganeswaran Potti and Sabarimala Executive Officer O.G. Biju witnessed the outpouring of faith and enthusiasm from the faithful.
Rituals followed shortly after the sanctum sanctorum opened, including sacred Nirmalya Abhishekam, Ganapathi Homam, and Neyyabhishekam. As the day progressed, the temple will close temporarily at 1 p.m., reopen at 3 p.m., and finally shut its doors at 11 p.m., concluding with the sacred lullaby “Harivarasanam” dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. This rhythm of worship encapsulates the deep spiritual significance and traditions cherished by millions.
This year, the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season commenced with a ceremonial opening held Sunday evening. The pilgrimage season, lasting two months, is poised to attract countless devotees from around the globe, reflecting the timeless allure of Sabarimala and its rich heritage.
In an effort to manage the anticipated influx, the TDB has put a cap on the daily number of pilgrims, limiting attendance to 90,000 each day. This includes 70,000 who will use the virtual queue system and 20,000 permitted through spot bookings, ensuring a smooth flow while preserving the sanctity of the site.
Devotees planning to participate in the Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season express a profound sense of spiritual gratitude and devotion during this critical period. This annual journey to Sabarimala not only symbolizes religious commitment but also strengthens the bind between thousands of believers.
