Hundreds of devotees filled the famed Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala on Monday, marking the start of the Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. This auspicious occasion coincides with the first day of the Malayalam month ‘Vrischikam’. Devotees, dressed in traditional attire and carrying irumudikkettu, queued for hours to offer prayers at the temple.
The temple gates opened at 3 a.m., facilitated by the newly appointed melsanthi (chief priest) E.D. Prasad Namboothiri. Chants of Lord Ayyappa’s hymns reverberated through the temple complex, welcoming the imminent rush of pilgrims.
The opening ceremony took place in presence of tantri (head priest) Kantararu Mahesh Mohanaru, along with officials from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). The TDB reported a substantial influx of pilgrims even before dawn.
Among those present were Devaswom Board Secretary P.N. Ganeswaran Potti and Sabarimala Executive Officer O.G. Biju, who oversaw the ceremony. As the shrine opened, long queues formed across the nadapandal (covered walkway) and sopanam (holy steps).
Following the sanctum sanctorum’s opening, several rituals took place. Among them were Nirmalya Abhishekam, Ganapathi Homam, and Neyyabhishekam, marking the spiritual significance of this time for devotees. The temple will close in intervals—at 1 p.m., reopening at 3 p.m. and finally closing at 11 p.m.—with the chanting of “Harivarasanam,” the sacred lullaby of Lord Ayyappa.
In preparation for the large pilgrimage expected this season, the temple had its ceremonial opening on Sunday evening. The two-month pilgrimage duration is anticipated to attract devotees from various parts of the world, each seeking divine blessings.
Notably, the TDB has imposed a cap on the daily influx of devotees to 90,000. This limit consists of 70,000 pilgrims allowed through a virtual queue system and 20,000 through spot booking, ensuring an organized pilgrimage experience. Officials emphasize the importance of managing this annual rush effectively to maintain safety and sanctity during this revered period.
