Sabarimala Darshan Timings, Festivals, and Monthly Opening Schedule

Sabrimala is one of the most sacred and powerful pilgrimage locations in India. Located in the forests of pathanmthiita district Kerala the Sabrimala temple attracts millions of devotees every year especially during the mandala season and special monthly poojas. Visiting Sabrimala requires planning because the temple is not open throughout the year. It opened on specific days every month doing festivals and on auspicious occasions.

About Sabrimala Temple

Sabrimala is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, the eternal brahmachari and symbol of Dharma self-control and equality. The temple is located deep inside the periyar tiger reserve surrounded by the hills, forests and rivers.

Key features:

• One of the biggest annual pilgrimages in the world
• Open only on specific days
• Devotees follow a 41-day vratham before the journey
• The climb to the temple involves 18 sacred steps (Pathinettam Padi)
• Ayyappa devotees wear black, blue, or saffron during the vratham

 Sabrimala Temple Monthly Opening Schedule

Sabrimala opens at 5:00 AM on the first day of the Malayalam month and closes after four to five days. It also opens on festival days and special occasions.

Sabarimala Darshan Timings (2025)

The temple generally follows this timing pattern:

Regular Darshan Timings

• Morning: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Evening: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM

During crowded festival seasons, timings are extended based on the Devaswom Board decision.

On Special Days:

• Open throughout the night (e.g., Makaravilakku)
• Extended pooja hours
• Additional abhishekams

Major Sabrimala Festivals

1. Mandala Pooja (Mandala Kalam)

Dates: 16 November 2025 – 26 December 2025
This is the peak pilgrimage season, lasting 41 days.
Devotees undergo strict vratham and walk through forests to reach the shrine.

2. Makaravilakku / Makara Jyothi

Date: 14 January 2025
This is the grandest festival of Sabarimala.
Devotees witness the divine light (Makara Jyothi) on Ponnambalamedu hill after the Makara Sankranti ritual.

3. Vishu Festival

Date: 14 April 2025
Special poojas and Vishukkani are arranged in the temple.

4. Chithira Aattavishesham

Celebrates the birthday of King Rajasekhara, connected to Ayyappa’s legend.

5. Onam & Thiruvonam

Special rituals like:

• Panchagavya purification
• Udayasthamana pooja
• Cultural offerings

How to Reach Sabarimala

 By Train

Nearest railway stations:

• Chengannur (90 km)
• Kottayam (100 km)
• Thiruvalla (100 km)

From there, take KSRTC buses to Pamba.

By Road

• KSRTC buses available from major cities
• Private taxis to Pamba base camp
• From Pamba, trek 5 km to Sabarimala temple

 By Ait

Nearest airports:

• Cochin International Airport (140 km)
• Trivandrum Airport (175 km)

The Trek from Pamba to Sabarimala

Distance: 5 km
Route difficulty: Moderate

Path includes:

• Neelimala
• Appachimedu
• Sabaripeedam
• Malikappuram Temple
• 18 sacred steps

Virtual Queue (Darshan Booking)

To manage large crowds, the Kerala Police offers Virtual Q System.

How to Book:

1. Visit: sabarimalaonline.org
2. Create account
3. Choose darshan date
4. Download the entry pass

 Food & Accommodation at Sabarimala

 Food:

• Free annadanam (prasadam)
• Tea, snacks, light meals at Pamba
• Nearby canteens

 Accommodation:

• Guest houses at Pamba
• Devaswom Board rooms
• KSRTC rest houses
• Dormitory halls

Book online during peak season.

 What to Carry for Sabarimala Darshan

Essential Items:

• Irumudi Kettu (for traditional pilgrims)
• Towel & change of clothes
• Warm shawl
• Medicine kit
• Water bottle
• ID proof
• Torchlight
• Cash (limited ATM access)

Important Rules for Sabarimala Pilgrims

 Dress Code:

• Men: Black, blue, or saffron clothing
• Women (10–50 years): Restricted entry due to traditions
• Senior women allowed
• Avoid fashionable or tight clothing

 Devotee Behaviour:

You need to maintain silence during rituals. Smoking or alcohol is not allowed. Or avoid drone or temple photography. You need to ensure that there are no plastic items anywhere around.

Best Tips for First-Time Pilgrims

• Book darshan early
• Start vratham with discipline
• Walk slowly during the trek
• Avoid heavy luggage
• Stay hydrated
• Follow crowd instructions
• Travel with a group if possible

Understanding the Sacred Journey

The Sabrimala pilgrimage is not just a physical journey it is a spiritual transformation. Every ritual from vratham to climbing 18 holy steps carries deep symbolic meaning. Wearing the vratham, devotees avoid luxury, focus on discipline and follow a simple lifestyle to purify the mind and soul.

Why Devotees Wear Black or Blue

• Represents simplicity
• Symbol of detachment
• Encourages devotees to focus on inner purity

Walking silently through nature helps you feel deeply connected with Lord Ayyappa.

Why Climbing the 18 Holy Steps is Sacred

The Pathinettam Padi, or 18 holy steps, is the most important part of Sabarimala darshan.

 Meaning of the 18 Steps:

• 5 represent human senses
• 3 represent qualities of nature (gunas)
• 8 represent negative emotions every human must conquer
• 1 represents pure consciousness
• 1 represents surrender to the divine

The Importance of Vratham (41-Day Austerity)

Before visiting Sabarimala, most devotees undergo 41 days of vratham, a period of discipline.

During Vratham, devotees:

• Wake up early
• Meditate or chant
• Avoid meat, alcohol, and negative habits
• Wear black/blue clothing
• Practice patience and kindness
• Maintain celibacy
• Attend temple prayers daily

So you must know that Sabrimala pilgrimage is a journey of devotion, discipline , humility and faith. With its deep tradition, sacred rituals, forest routes and powerful spiritual atmosphere, Sabrimala continues to inspire millions of devotees like you every year.