The revered Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple opened its doors on Saturday evening for the monthly poojas of the Malayalam month of Meenam. The sanctum sanctorum was opened at 5 pm by head priest (Melsanthi) ED Prasad in the presence of chief priest (Thantri) Kandararu Mahesh Mohanararu.
Following the opening of the shrine, the ceremonial lamp was lit and the sacred fire (Aazhi) was ignited below the holy 18 steps, marking the beginning of the rituals for the monthly observances. Devotees were allowed darshan from 5 am on Sunday, which marks the first day of Meenam. Special rituals, including Kalabhabhishekam and Padipooja, will also commence as part of the observances. The temple will remain open for the monthly poojas
until March 19, when it will close at 10 pm.
It will reopen on March 22 at 5 pm for the annual temple festival. The ceremonial flag hoisting (Kodiyettu), which marks the formal start of the festival, will take place on March 23. The celebrations will conclude with the traditional Pallivetta ritual on March 31 and the sacred Aarattu ceremony at the Pamba River on April 1. The Aarattu procession will depart from Sannidhanam at 9 am and proceed to the river for the ritual bath of the deity. After the procession returns, the temple will close for the season at 10 pm.
From March 23 onwards, major daily rituals such as Sreebhoothabali and Utsavabali will be performed. Devotees will also have the opportunity to participate in offerings including Neyyabhishekam, Ashtabhishekam, Pushpabhishekam, and Kalabhabhishekam. After the evening Deeparadhana and Athazhapooja, the idol will be taken out in the traditional Sreebali procession, accompanied by sacred chants and traditional percussion music.
The traditional royal hunt ritual, Pallivetta, will take place at Saramkuthi on the night of March 31, drawing large crowds of devotees. Following the Aarattu ceremony on April 1, pilgrims will also get a rare opportunity to directly offer ‘Para’ before the deity at the Pamba Ganapathy Temple.
Anticipating a heavy influx of pilgrims from neighbouring states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the Travancore Devaswom Board has made extensive arrangements.
Devotees must book their darshan through the virtual queue system available on the official Sabarimala website. Spot booking counters have also been set up at Nilakkal for pilgrims carrying valid identification documents such as Aadhaar cards. Accommodation at Sannidhanam can also be reserved online.
To manage the expected rush, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has strengthened its chain services on the Nilakkal–Pamba route and introduced special bus services from major depots across the state. Additional parking facilities have also been arranged at Nilakkal.
Authorities have ensured the availability of essential amenities, including drinking water kiosks and round-theclock free food distribution centres (Annadhanam) at Pamba and Sannidhanam.
The state health department has deployed dispensaries, cardiology centres and oxygen parlours along the trekking route to provide immediate medical assistance. Ayurvedic and homoeopathic treatment centres are also operational.
Security arrangements have been strengthened with the deployment of additional police personnel at Pamba, Sannidhanam and Nilakkal. The forest department’s elephant squad and fire force units are also on standby.
Authorities have urged pilgrims to strictly avoid plastic in the sacred offerings and reiterated the ban on abandoning clothes in the Pamba River, calling for cooperation from devotees to ensure a smooth and environmentally responsible pilgrimage.
Also read: Sabrimala women entry: SC bench to begin hearing on April 7
Follow us
