Sabarimala Temple Opens Ahead Of Malayalam New Year, Special Pujas Begin

The famed Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple opened its doors on Sunday evening for the monthly pujas ahead of the beginning of Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam calendar and the traditional Malayalam New Year.

The Sreekovil, or sanctum sanctorum, was opened around 5 pm by melsanthi Prasad E D in the presence of temple tantri Kandararu Brahmadathan. A lamp was lit inside the shrine, followed by the lighting of the sacred fire at the aazhi, located below the Pathinettam Padi, or the 18 holy steps.

Hundreds of devotees had gathered at the hill shrine hours before the opening. As the sanctum opened, the atmosphere reverberated with chants of “Swamiye Ayyappa”, marking the beginning of the special Chingam observances.

The temple will reopen for darshan at 5 am on August 17, coinciding with the first day of Chingam and the Malayalam New Year. The drawing of lots to select the Sabarimala ulkazhakam, who assists the melsanthi in performing pujas and other rituals, will also take place after the morning usha puja.

The temple will remain open for the Chingam pujas until August 21, when it will close at 10 pm. It will reopen on August 24 for the Onam-related rituals, with Thiruvonam, the main day of the festival, falling on August 26.

The Travancore Devaswom Board has advised devotees planning a pilgrimage during Chingam to reserve their darshan slots through the virtual queue system.

Meanwhile, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has made additional arrangements to handle the expected pilgrim rush between August 16 and 28. Special services to Pamba will operate from several major centres, including Thiruvananthapuram, Chengannur, Pathanamthitta, Kottarakkara, Erumeli and Punalur.

Additional Nilakkal-Pamba services will also be operated, while bus services will be increased according to passenger demand and the volume of pilgrims arriving at Sabarimala.