Sabarimala Temple To Reopen On December 30 For Makaravilakku Festival

Sabarimala: The Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala will reopen on the evening of December 30 for the annual Makaravilakku festival, marking the final phase of the current pilgrimage season, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) said on Monday.

The temple will open at 5 pm, with the sanctum sanctorum being opened by chief priest E D Prasad in the presence of head priest Mahesh Mohanaru. Following the lighting of the fire at the azhi at Sannidhanam, pilgrims will be allowed to climb the pathinettampadi (eighteen steps) to have darshan.

The Makaravilakku ritual, which is observed on January 14, 2026, signifies the culmination of the pilgrimage season that extends over more than two months. It is one of the most important events at Sabarimala and draws lakhs of devotees from across the country every year.

The temple had closed at 10 pm on December 27 after the completion of the 41-day-long Mandala poojas. The closure followed the customary rendering of the Harivarasanam, marking the end of the Mandala season.

As part of preparations for the Makaravilakku festival, extensive cleanliness drives have been launched at Sabarimala and surrounding areas. According to the TDB, the drive began on Monday with the participation of multiple government departments and volunteers.

The cleaning activities are being carried out jointly by the police, excise department, Travancore Devaswom Board and the Visuddhi Sena sanitation volunteers. Areas covered include both sides of the Swami Ayyappan Road, the stretch from Neelimala gate to Sabaripeedam, the surroundings of Pampa, and the pathway leading to the Sannidhanam temple complex.