Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Kerala
സ്വാമിയേ ശരണമയ്യപ്പ - Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa
Temple opening dates 2026-27, Virtual Queue booking, 41-day Vratham and the story of Lord Ayyappa.
Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, nestled at 4,135 feet in the Western Ghats of Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, is one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world. Over 50 lakh (5 million) devotees visit during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season every year - from India and from Hindu communities across Malaysia, Singapore, the UAE, the UK and beyond. Unlike any other major Hindu temple, Sabarimala is not open every day, requires a 41-day spiritual preparation, and demands a physical trek through the forest. This is what makes it the most transformative pilgrimage in the Hindu calendar.
Important before you plan: Sabarimala Temple is NOT open every day. It opens only during specific periods - primarily the Mandala Kalam (November-December), Makaravilakku (December-January) and the first 5 days of each Malayalam month. A Virtual Queue coupon from sabarimalaonline.org is mandatory during the main season. Always verify dates and booking status at sabarimala.kerala.gov.in before booking travel.
At a Glance - 2026-27 Season
ശബരിമല ശ്രീ ധർമ്മ ശാസ്താ ക്ഷേത്രം
Everything you need before planning your yatra
| Temple | Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple |
| Deity | Lord Ayyappa (Sree Dharma Sastha) - son of Lord Shiva and Mohini (Vishnu's female avatar) |
| Location | Sabarimala hill, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala - at 4,135 feet in the Western Ghats |
| Managed by | Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), Government of Kerala |
| Mandala Kalam 2026-27 | 16 November 2026 (evening opening) to 27 December 2026 (Mandala Pooja day) |
| Makaravilakku 2026-27 | 30 December 2026 to 20 January 2027 |
| Makara Jyothi 2027 | 14 January 2027 (Makara Sankranti) - the most sacred moment of the season |
| Monthly poojas | First 5 days of each Malayalam month (year-round) |
| Daily timings (open periods) | Nada opens around 3:00 AM, closes around 1:00 PM; reopens around 3:00 PM and closes around 11:00 PM after Harivarasanam. Timings vary by season. |
| Virtual Queue (mandatory) | Free. Book at sabarimalaonline.org. Booking usually opens in late October or early November (it opened on 1 November in 2025). |
| Daily capacity (season) | About 90,000 per day in 2025-26 - 70,000 Virtual Queue slots plus up to 20,000 spot bookings at Nilakkal, Pamba, Erumeli and Vandiperiyar |
| Vratham required | 41-day Mandala Deeksha (Vratham) mandatory before the pilgrimage |
| Trek from Pamba | About 5 km uphill trek from Pamba. Private vehicles park at Nilakkal base camp; KSRTC chain buses run Nilakkal to Pamba (about 22 km). |
| Official website | sabarimala.kerala.gov.in |
| Virtual Queue booking | sabarimalaonline.org |
Virtual Q booking opens: late October / early November 2026. Mandala season begins: 16 November 2026 (evening). Mandala Pooja: 27 December 2026. Makaravilakku season: 30 December 2026 to 20 January 2027. Makara Jyothi: 14 January 2027. Dates are per the traditional Malayalam calendar and confirmed officially each cycle by TDB. Always verify the final dates at sabarimalaonline.org before booking flights or hotels.
The Story of Lord Ayyappa
ഭഗവാൻ അയ്യപ്പന്റെ കഥ
From the Bhootnatha Upakhyana (Brahmanda Purana) - the divine story of Manikanda, the warrior son of Shiva and Vishnu
The story of Lord Ayyappa is preserved in the Bhootnatha Upakhyana, a chapter within the Brahmanda Purana. He is also known as Manikanda (he who wears a golden bell on his neck), Sree Dharma Sastha (teacher of righteousness) and Hariharaputra (son of Hari and Hara - Vishnu and Shiva).
Mahishi and the impossible boon: Mahishi, the demoness and sister of Mahishasura, performed severe penance to please Lord Brahma. Brahma appeared and granted her a boon. She cleverly asked: "Let only a son born of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu be able to kill me." Since Shiva and Vishnu were both male, this seemed an impossible condition - she thought herself immortal. Armed with this boon, Mahishi attacked the heavens, drove the Devas out of Devaloka, and caused devastation across the three worlds.
The birth of Ayyappa: The Devas appealed to Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu had previously taken the form of Mohini - a supremely beautiful woman - to distribute amrit (the nectar of immortality) after the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean). Lord Shiva united with Mohini and from this divine union was born a radiant child - bearing a golden bell (mani) on his neck - who alone could defeat Mahishi. He was Ayyappan.
Manikanda - the prince of Pandalam: The infant Ayyappa was found in the forest by the king of Pandalam, who was childless. The king carried the golden-belled baby to his palace and raised him as his own son, naming him Manikanda (the golden-belled one). Manikanda grew up to be the most gifted prince - a master of all arts, combat and scripture. But the queen's jealousy grew when it became clear that Manikanda, as the firstborn, would become king.
The task to bring tigress's milk: Advised by the royal physician (who was actually a demon in disguise), the queen pretended to be gravely ill and declared she could only be cured by a tigress's milk. The king, grief-stricken, asked Manikanda to bring it. Manikanda accepted without hesitation. He walked into the forest, encountered Mahishi and killed her in a great battle near the Azhutha river. Mahishi, freed of her demon curse, transformed into a beautiful woman (Malikapurathamma) and asked Ayyappa to marry her. He refused - he had taken the eternal vow of celibacy (Naisthika Brahmacharya). He told her gently: "I will marry you when no first-time pilgrim (Kanni Ayyappan) comes to Sabarimala." Her temple now stands beside his at Sabarimala - and since Kanni Ayyappans come every year, the marriage is perpetually deferred.
Ayyappa then returned to the Pandalam palace - riding a tigress, surrounded by other tigers, carrying a pot of tigress's milk. The king understood at once that his son was no ordinary prince. Ayyappa revealed his divine nature, blessed his earthly parents, and departed for the Sabarimala hills to meditate eternally in his Samadhi - his yogic absorption - forever available to devotees who approach him after the proper preparation.
സ്വാമിയേ ശരണമയ്യപ്പ Harihara sutane sharanam Ayyappa. Swamiye saranam Ayyappa. I take refuge in Ayyappa, the son of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva). O Lord, I surrender to you, Ayyappa. The Saranam mantra - chanted by every Ayyappa devotee during the 41-day Vratham, on the trek, and throughout life. "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" (I surrender to you, my Lord Ayyappa) is the heartbeat of the Sabarimala pilgrimage. During the trek, every devotee calls out "Swamiye!" and the entire mountain echoes with thousands of voices answering "Saranam Ayyappa!" Source: Bhootnatha Upakhyana, Brahmanda Purana.
The 41-Day Vratham - What It Means and How to Observe It
41 ദിവസത്തെ വ്രതം
The most unique requirement of any major Hindu pilgrimage - the Sabarimala Deeksha transforms the devotee before the trek even begins
The 41-day Mandala Deeksha (Vratham) is what makes Sabarimala unlike any other pilgrimage in India. You do not simply buy a ticket and go. The Vratham is the real pilgrimage - the trek is its culmination.
Critical for NRI and overseas devotees: If you are travelling from Malaysia, Singapore, UAE, UK or anywhere outside India, you must begin your 41-day Vratham BEFORE buying your flight tickets - because your flight date must fall on or after the 41st day of your Vratham. Plan backwards from your intended darshan date and start the Vratham 41 days before.
Mala Dharana (beginning the Deeksha): The Vratham begins with a ceremony at a nearby Ayyappa temple where a Guruswami (senior devotee who has completed multiple pilgrimages) places the sacred mala - a Rudraksha or Tulsi bead chain with a locket of Lord Ayyappa - around the devotee's neck. From this moment, the devotee is called "Swami" by everyone around them - even by elders. This is not a title - it is the recognition that the devotee has taken Ayyappa's form for the 41 days.
| Vratham Rule | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Food | Strictly vegetarian. No meat, fish, eggs or alcohol for the full 41 days. |
| Clothing | Black or dark blue clothing only. Black represents renunciation and penance. |
| Footwear | Barefoot wherever possible. Simple footwear only if health requires. |
| Celibacy | Complete celibacy for the 41 days. No physical relationship. |
| Behaviour | Simple lifestyle. No gossip, no arguments, no cinema/entertainment. Daily prayer and focus on Ayyappa. |
| Address | All other Ayyappa devotees during Deeksha are addressed as "Swami" - regardless of age, caste or status. This is the great equaliser of Sabarimala. |
| Bath | Cold water bath before morning prayer, every day of the 41 days. |
The Irumudi Kettu - the sacred bundle: On the final day before the trek, the Guruswami helps the devotee prepare the Irumudi Kettu - the two-compartment cloth bag that is carried on the head throughout the journey to Sabarimala. Without the Irumudi on your head, you are not permitted to climb the 18 golden steps to the sanctum.
| Irumudi Compartment | What Goes Inside |
|---|---|
| Front (Munmudi) - Puja items for the Lord | A 3-eyed coconut filled with pure ghee (this is poured on the idol at the sanctum), rice, raw coconut, jaggery, vibhuti (sacred ash), incense sticks, camphor and betel leaves. |
| Back (Pinmudi) - Personal items | Devotee's personal belongings for the trek - change of clothes, water, light food for the journey. |
The 18 golden steps (Pathinettampadi): The 18 steps leading to the sanctum of Lord Ayyappa have been covered in panchaloha (five sacred metals) since 1985. Only a devotee who has completed the 41-day Vratham and is carrying the Irumudi Kettu on their head is permitted to climb these steps. The 18 steps represent the 18 Puranas, the 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita, and the 18 hills that surround Sabarimala. Climbing them is considered the most sacred act of the entire pilgrimage.
Temple Opening Dates and Virtual Queue Booking
ക്ഷേത്ര തുറക്കൽ തീയതികളും വെർച്വൽ ക്യൂ ബുക്കിംഗും
Sabarimala is open only during specific periods. A Virtual Queue coupon is mandatory during the main season.
| Season / Period | 2026-27 Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mandala Kalam (main season) | 16 Nov 2026 to 27 Dec 2026 | 41-day main season. Largest crowds. Virtual Queue mandatory. About 90,000 pilgrims/day (Virtual Queue plus spot booking). |
| Mandala Pooja | 27 December 2026 | Grand ceremonial conclusion of the Mandala season. Temple briefly closes after Mandala Pooja. |
| Makaravilakku season | 30 Dec 2026 to 20 Jan 2027 | Second major season. Culminates with Makara Jyothi on 14 January 2027. |
| Makara Jyothi (Makaravilakku) | 14 January 2027 | Makara Sankranti. The celestial star Makara Jyothi rises, and the sacred Makaravilakku flame is lit three times on Ponnambalamedu hill after the deity is adorned with the Thiruvabharanam. The most sacred moment of the season. Highest crowds of the year. |
| Monthly poojas | First 5 days of each Malayalam month | Year-round. Smaller crowds. Virtual Queue booking is used for monthly openings too - check the portal. |
| Vishu | Mid-April 2027 | Kerala New Year. Temple opens for a few days around Vishu. Quieter visit option. |
How to Book Virtual Queue Online - Step by Step
- Visit sabarimalaonline.org - the official TDB booking portal (Kerala Police and TDB joint initiative). Avoid all other booking sites.
- Register with your mobile number - an OTP will be sent. On peak booking days the portal may be slow - try early morning or late evening.
- Enter details for all members of your group: name, age, Aadhaar number and mobile number. All members must be present in person on darshan day.
- Select date - TDB opens season booking shortly before the Mandala season (on 1 November in 2025). Bookmark the portal and check from late October 2026 onwards. Virtual Queue slots for Mandala season and Makaravilakku fill up within hours of release.
- Download your Virtual Queue coupon (free). Carry a printout or screenshot. The coupon is verified at the Pamba checkpoint (near the Pamba Ganapathy temple) before you begin the trek.
No special darshan at Sabarimala: Unlike Tirupati or Ram Mandir, Sabarimala does not have paid VIP or special darshan tickets. Every devotee - regardless of status - stands in the same queue and waits the same time. The Virtual Queue coupon gives you a specific date slot, not a faster entry. This equality before the Lord is one of the defining principles of the Sabarimala pilgrimage.
Live Darshan and Poojas Online
ഓൺലൈൻ ദർശനം
Watch the Sabarimala poojas and Makara Jyothi live - especially for devotees unable to make the trek
The Travancore Devaswom Board and DD Malayalam broadcast live from Sabarimala during the Mandala and Makaravilakku seasons. The Makara Jyothi (divine star appearance on 14 January) is broadcast live on national television and on YouTube. For devotees who cannot trek - the elderly, the differently abled, or those observing the Vratham at home - watching the live darshan is considered equally blessed.
Search "Sabarimala live darshan" on YouTube to find official broadcasts from DD Malayalam and TDB during the Mandala and Makaravilakku seasons.
Facilities and Temple Rules
സൗകര്യങ്ങളും നിയമങ്ങളും
Know the rules before you go - Sabarimala has some of the strictest requirements of any pilgrimage in India
- Devotees of any age who have observed the 41-day Vratham
- Women: Women below 10 and above 50 have always been welcome. Entry of women aged 10-50 is before a nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court (verdict reserved in May 2026). See Page 2 for details.
- People of all faiths: Sabarimala is open to devotees of every religion who follow the Vratham. The shrine of Vavar Swami, Ayyappa's Muslim companion, stands at the Sannidhanam.
- Children: Boys, and girls below 10, may take part with a Guruswami's guidance (Kanni Swamis / Malikappurams).
- Black or dark blue clothing throughout the pilgrimage
- No footwear inside the temple complex
- No non-vegetarian food or alcohol anywhere on the pilgrimage route
- No photography inside the sanctum
- Maintain silence and chant "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" throughout
- No helicopter service is authorised - the Kerala High Court has barred private helicopter and VIP darshan offers
- Those unable to trek: doli (palanquin) service from Pamba to Sannidhanam, at TDB-fixed rates
- Medical camps at Pamba and along the trek route during Mandala season
- First-time elderly visitors: strongly advised to consult a doctor before planning the 5 km uphill trek at 4,135 feet altitude
- Carry the Irumudi Kettu on your head throughout
- Carry enough water and light food for the 5 km trek
- Plastic items, alcohol and meat strictly banned on the entire route
- Carry your Virtual Queue coupon print/screenshot
- Medical and police teams stationed throughout the route during season
Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple - Complete Guide
- Page 1 (this page): Story of Lord Ayyappa, 41-Day Vratham, Irumudi Kettu, 2026-27 Dates, Virtual Queue Booking, Live Darshan
- Page 2: How to Reach, Three Trek Routes, Places to Visit, Hotels, Women Entry, FAQ
More from Dekho Dham:
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa. Harihara Sutane Sharanam Ayyappa.