SABARIMALA: Hundreds of devotees have been turning up at the famed Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala since the wee hours of Monday as the hill shrine officially opened its doors, marking the beginning of the auspicious Chingam month and the Malayalam New Year.
The initial pujas were conducted at the temple on Sunday evening—the final day of the Malayalam month of Karkidakam—by Melsanthi (head priest) Prasad E.D., in the esteemed presence of temple Tantri (chief priest) Kandararu Brahmadathan.
Devotees began gathering at the shrine in large numbers since Sunday evening in anticipation of the New Year. The temple doors were briefly closed following the evening puja and were reopened at 5:00 AM on Monday for regular darshan.
Key Rituals and Upcoming Schedule
A key event scheduled for Monday, following the morning usha puja, is the drawing of lots to select the Sabarimala “ulkazhakam”—the designated assistant who aids the head priest with daily pujas and other sacred rituals.
The temple’s immediate schedule for the festive season is as follows:
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August 21: The temple will close at 10:00 PM after the successful completion of the Chingam month pujas.
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August 24: The shrine will reopen for special pujas connected with the Onam harvest festival.
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August 26: Thiruvonam, the most important and celebrated day of the Onam festivities, will be observed.
Travel and Booking Arrangements
To ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience, authorities have implemented strict booking protocols. Devotees wishing to visit Sabarimala during the Chingam month are required to book their darshan slots in advance through the official Sabarimala virtual queue website.
Additionally, to accommodate the anticipated influx of pilgrims, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has deployed extensive travel arrangements. Special bus services will run continuously from August 16 to August 28, specifically catering to Ayyappa devotees visiting the hill shrine during this auspicious period.
