Hundreds of devotees eagerly gathered at the renowned Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala on Monday, heralding the start of the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, coinciding with the first day of the Malayalam month ‘Vrischikam’. This much-anticipated event draws thousands of pilgrims from across India, showcasing the deep-rooted cultural and religious significance attached to Sabarimala.
Wearing traditional black attire and carrying the sacred irumudikkettu, pilgrims formed long queues for hours to pay their respects. E.D. Prasad Namboothiri, the newly appointed melsanthi (chief priest), opened the temple portals, accompanied by enchanting chants of Lord Ayyappa’s hymns resonating throughout the revered complex.
The opening ceremony took place with the presence of tantri (head priest) Kantararu Mahesh Mohanaru, as highlighted in a statement by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). TDB officials reported a promising surge of pilgrims arriving at the site even before dawn, showcasing the anticipation surrounding the onset of the pilgrimage.
Sabarimala Executive Officer O.G. Biju, Devaswom Board Secretary P.N. Ganeswaran Potti, along with other officials, participated in the ceremonial rites. As the shrine opened its doors at 3 a.m., long queues formed along the nadapandal (covered walkway) and the sopanam (holy steps), reflecting the overwhelming devotion of the attendees.
After the sanctum sanctorum’s opening, a series of rituals including Nirmalya Abhishekam, Ganapathi Homam, and Neyyabhishekam were performed. The temple will operate daily from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. before reopening at 3 p.m., closing finally at 11 p.m. with the sacred lullaby, “Harivarasanam,” sung in honor of Lord Ayyappa.
To manage the expected influx of pilgrims, the temple held a ceremonial opening on Sunday evening in preparation for the two-month-long pilgrimage season, which is anticipated to attract devotees from around the globe. The newly appointed melsanthis of both the Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples were also installed during this auspicious occasion.
In light of the heavy turnout, the TDB has instituted measures to ensure smooth crowd control, capping the daily pilgrim numbers at 90,000. This includes 70,000 pilgrims accommodated through a virtual queue system and an additional 20,000 allowed via spot bookings, reflecting the authorities’ commitment to ensuring a safe and organized pilgrimage experience.
The Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season remains a significant cultural event in India, symbolizing devotion and communal harmony. As pilgrims traverse the challenging pathways to Sabarimala, they embody an enduring faith that continues to inspire awe and reverence.