The Sabarimala Temple has opened its doors for an 18-day pilgrimage season, marking the beginning of its annual festival and Vishu celebrations. The sanctum sanctorum (sreekovil) was opened at 5 PM on Tuesday by Melsanthi (head priest) Arunkumar Nampoothiri, in the presence of Thantris (chief ritual masters) Kandararu Brahmadathan and Kandararu Rajivaru.

However, no evening rituals were performed on the opening day.

Annual Festival, Vishu Festivities

The 10-day annual festival will commence with traditional Kodiyettu (flag-hoisting) ceremony on Wednesday between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM, as per a report on The New Indian Express. One of the main rituals, the Utsavabali, will take place over eight days starting from the second day of the festival. The celebrations will conclude with the Arattu (holy bath) ceremony at the Pampa River on April 11 at 11:30 AM.

Following the annual festival, the temple will host the Vishu celebrations for eight days beginning April 12. The much-anticipated Vishukani darshan is scheduled for April 14, between 4 AM and 6 AM. The temple will close at 10 PM on April 18, marking the conclusion of both festivals, reported On Manorama.

Authorities have advised devotees to plan their visits in advance, offering both online booking and on-the-spot pass options to facilitate a hassle-free pilgrimage.

Darshan arrangements for devotees

  • Devotees must obtain virtual queue passes and undergo verification at Pampa Anjaneya auditorium before proceeding.
  • Spot passes will also be issued at special counters in Nilakkal and Pampa for those without prior bookings.

 

Meanwhile, Sabarimala is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a deity believed to be the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini (a form of Vishnu). Sabarimala is one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world, attracting millions of devotees. Sabarimala temple is situated inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala.

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