Can I perform special poojas at this temple?

Yes, the temple accepts bookings for special poojas. Various poojas are available including Laksharchana, Abhishekam, Special Darshan, Homa/Havan, and other rituals. Please contact the temple administration in advance to schedule your pooja. It's advisable to book early, especially during festival seasons.

What is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Weekday mornings (early morning hours) are generally less crowded. Avoid visiting during major festivals, weekends, and public holidays if you prefer a quieter experience. However, visiting during festivals offers a unique spiritual atmosphere with special decorations and rituals.

Is there a dress code for visiting the temple?

Mandatory black or blue clothing. Traditional pilgrimage attire required for forest journey.

Is the temple accessible for people with disabilities?

Forest temple requiring challenging trek. Limited accessibility due to remote forest location and difficult terrain.

🕉️ Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple - Timings & Rituals

Q: What are the temple timings?

The temple is open 2:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM (pilgrimage season). Darshan timings are: Varies by season. Main pilgrimage season: November-January. Temple closed during monsoon months.. It's advisable to visit during darshan hours for the best spiritual experience.

Q: What are the special days to visit this temple?

The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year. Major festivals include: Mandala Kalam, Makaravilakku, Makarajyothi, Pilgrimage Season Opening, Vratham Completion Ceremonies. Festival dates vary each year according to the Hindu calendar. Visiting during these festivals offers a unique spiritual experience with special rituals and celebrations.

Complete information about temple timings, daily schedule, special days, festivals, poojas, and rituals

ℹ️ Note: The information provided below is general information about the temple. We do not have real-time information regarding crowd levels and the time it takes for darshan at any given time. We will keep this information updated when we have access to it.

🕒 Temple Timings

⏰ Opening Hours

2:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM (pilgrimage season)

🙏 Darshan Timings

Varies by season. Main pilgrimage season: November-January. Temple closed during monsoon months.

💰 Entry Fee

Free (Forest trekking and accommodation facilities have charges)

📅 Daily Schedule & Rituals

Rigorous pilgrimage rituals, 41-day vratham practices, 18 steps climbing ceremony, forest meditation traditions, irumudi offering customs

✨ Special Traditions

41-day vratham traditions, forest pilgrimage customs, 18 sacred steps climbing practices, spiritual transformation methods, celibate devotion traditions

🍽️ Prasada Information

Sacred forest blessed prasadam including traditional offerings, pilgrimage completion items, spiritual transformation materials, and forest spiritual energy aids

⭐ Special Days

🎉 Major Festivals

Mandala Kalam Makaravilakku Makarajyothi Pilgrimage Season Opening Vratham Completion Ceremonies

📆 Festival Dates

Mandala Kalam: November-December, Makaravilakku: January, Pilgrimage season: November-January

🎊 Special Events

Mass pilgrimage ceremonies, Makarajyothi divine light festival, vratham completion celebrations, forest spiritual events

🌸 Seasonal Celebrations

Winter pilgrimage season (November-January), summer temple closure, monsoon forest rest period

📅 Upcoming Events

🎊

Annual Temple Festival

Festival

Grand celebration with special poojas, cultural programs, and devotional activities.

📅 To be announced

⏰ All day

🙏

Special Abhishekam

Ritual

Monthly special abhishekam ceremony with milk, honey, and other sacred offerings.

📅 Every Purnima (Full Moon Day)

⏰ 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM

🕉️ Available Poojas & Rituals

🙏 Laksharchana

A special pooja performed with the chanting of the deity's name one lakh times, bringing peace, prosperity, and spiritual blessings.

⏱️ Duration: 2-3 hours

💰 Starting from ₹5,000

Benefits:

Removes obstacles, brings prosperity, fulfills wishes, and grants divine blessings.

🕉️ Abhishekam

Sacred bathing ceremony of the deity with milk, honey, ghee, curd, and other pure substances, followed by special pooja.

⏱️ Duration: 1 hour

💰 Starting from ₹1,000

Benefits:

Purifies the mind, removes negative energies, brings health and spiritual growth.

🌟 Special Darshan

Exclusive close darshan with special decorations, archana, and personalized blessings from the priests.

⏱️ Duration: 30 minutes

💰 Starting from ₹500

Benefits:

Personal connection with the deity, special blessings, and peaceful darshan experience.

🔥 Homa/Havan

Sacred fire ritual performed by qualified priests with chanting of mantras and offerings to the sacred fire.

⏱️ Duration: 2 hours

💰 Starting from ₹3,000

Benefits:

Purifies the environment, removes obstacles, brings prosperity and spiritual upliftment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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📋 Quick Reference

🕒 Opening Hours

2:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM (pilgrimage season)

🙏 Darshan Timings

Varies by season. Main pilgrimage season: November-January. Temple closed during monsoon months.

💰 Entry Fee

Free (Forest trekking and accommodation facilities have charges)

📍 Location

Sabarimala, Pathanamthitta, Kerala

🕉️ Primary Deity

Lord Ayyappa (Dharma Sastha)

View Temple Details

💡 Visiting Tips

• Visit early morning for peaceful darshan
• Book poojas in advance during festivals
• Follow temple dress code guidelines
• Keep mobile phones silent
• Respect temple customs and rituals