Hundreds of devotees thronged the famed Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala early on Monday, marking the auspicious first day of the Malayalam month ‘Vrischikam’ and the commencement of the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. This yearly event attracts thousands, showcasing the deep spiritual connection and devotion of pilgrims from across India.
Dressed in traditional black attire and carrying the sacred irumudikkettu, pilgrims from within Kerala and other states queued for hours to offer prayers. The temple portals opened at 3 a.m., led by the newly appointed melsanthi (chief priest) E.D. Prasad Namboothiri, amid chants of Lord Ayyappa’s hymns echoing throughout this hallowed complex.
The ceremony featured the presence of tantri (head priest) Kantararu Mahesh Mohanaru and other dignitaries. According to a statement from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), heavy flows of pilgrims began even before dawn, indicating the high spiritual fervor associated with this season.
Devaswom Board Secretary P.N. Ganeswaran Potti and Sabarimala Executive Officer O.G. Biju also attended the event. Long queues stretched across the nadapandal (covered walkway) and sopanam (holy steps), illustrating the dedication of the devotees eager to partake in the sacred rituals.
Upon opening the sanctum sanctorum, rituals including Nirmalya Abhishekam, Ganapathi Homam, and Neyyabhishekam followed. The temple will close at 1 p.m., reopen at 3 p.m., and finally close at 11 p.m., concluding with the chanting of “Harivarasanam,” the sacred lullaby of Lord Ayyappa. Each phase of the day reflects the temple’s rich traditions and the spiritual atmosphere that envelops the devotees.
The temple had ceremonially opened earlier on Sunday evening ahead of the two-month-long pilgrimage season, which is expected to draw devotees from around the globe. This season not only highlights the temple’s importance but also strengthens community bonds among participants.
To manage the anticipated rush during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season, the TDB has implemented a cap on daily pilgrims at 90,000. This includes 70,000 through the virtual queue system and 20,000 for spot booking. Stipulating these measures aims to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience in the face of overwhelming turnout.
The Sabarimala pilgrimage remains a significant event for devotees, offering them a chance to engage in spiritual renewal and participate in centuries-old traditions, further celebrating the enduring legacy of Lord Ayyappa.
