Sabarimala Closing Date 2024 – The Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, nestled in the lush Western Ghat mountain ranges of Kerala, is a revered pilgrimage site that holds immense spiritual significance for millions of devotees across the globe. Every year, countless faithful undertake an arduous journey to seek the blessings of Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of this ancient temple. This article details all you need to know about the Sabarimala Closing Date 2024.
About Sabarimala Closing Date
One Hindu temple dedicated to worshiping the god Ayyappan, often called Dharma Shasta, is the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple. Many believe that Ayyappan is the offspring of Shiva and Mohini, the female manifestation of Vishnu.
The temple is situated on a hilltop (about 3000 feet above sea level) named Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district, which is unique. The temple is open to people belonging to all religions. There is a place near the temple, east of Sannidhanam (the abode of Lord Ayyappa), dedicated to Vavar (a close friend of Lord Ayyappa) which is called Vavaru Nada, an epitome of religious harmony. Another unique aspect of this temple is that it is not open throughout the year. It is open for worship only during the days of Mandalapooja, Makaravilakku, Vishu and also during the first day of every Malayalam month.
It is said that the pilgrims have to observe celibacy for 41 days before going to Sabarimala. Pilgrims take the traditional forest routes and the one from Pamba which is less physically challenging to reach the temple.
Eligibility for Sabarimala
The Sabarimala pilgrimage is open to individuals of all genders, with one notable exception:
- Women between the ages of 10 and 50 are traditionally not allowed to visit Sabarimala due to certain religious beliefs and practices. In September 2018, the Supreme Court of India judged that all Hindu pilgrims, regardless of gender, could enter the temple.
- The age limit for men to undertake the pilgrimage is between 12 and 70 years.
- The devotee may wear a bead chain with the locket of Sree Ayyappan. Once the chain is worn, the devotee has to lead a life free of worldly pleasures. Vices such as smoking and alcohol use are also a strict no-no. The pilgrim is also required to lead a life of conjugal abstinence.
Requirements for Sabarimala
- Pilgrims must adopt an ascetic lifestyle before climbing the hill, including abstention from drinking, smoking, and tobacco for 41 days before climbing the hill rock; abstention from consuming any non-vegetarian food or food that contains plant roots. Food must be consumed only after bathing and praying and in limited quantities. Pilgrims are also to refrain from sex, shaving, having a haircut and using luxuries such as perfumes, scents, silk clothes and shoes.
- lrumudi is the only travelling kit a pilgrim carries on his head during the pilgrimage. Only those who observe fasting for 41 days are allowed to have it. Without the Irumudi, one cannot step onto the holy 18 steps at the Sannidhanam. This bag is in two compartments – the Munmudi (the front part) and the Pinmudi (the back part) & the opening at centre. The front portion is reserved for keeping all the puja articles and offerings to the deity. The rear part is meant to hold the pilgrims’ requirements for the journey.
Documents Required For Sabarimala include:
- Passport Size Photo
- Email ID
- Mobile Number
- Aadhar Card, PAN Card, etc.
- Complete Details of Applicant
Application Portal
The Sabarimala Online portal (sabarimalaonline.org) is a comprehensive digital platform designed to facilitate the pilgrimage experience for devotees. This user-friendly portal serves as a one-stop-shop for all services related to the Sabarimala pilgrimage, including the Virtual Q (Darshan) and Prasadam reservations.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit Sabarimala Online Official Website i.e. https://sabarimalaonline.org/#/login.
- From the Home Page Check Sabarimala Pooja Festival and Special Pooja Timing with Dates Booking Updates.
- Click on Register From the Header Bar.
- In the new tab, the Registration Page will Open.
- Enter Mobile Number, Email ID, Member Information, and Other Details Asked.
- Set Date and Time of booking.
- Click on Submit and Visit Payment Page.
- Pay Booking Fees through an Online Payment Method.
- Save the Sabarimala Virtual Q Online Booking Ticket Number and Other Login ID for Further Booking.
Sabarimala Closing Date 2024
There are limited times each year when visitors can visit Kerala’s Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple for darshan. For 2024 and 2025, the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple will be open as listed below. For five days, beginning on the first of every month in Malayalam, the temple is open for monthly pujas throughout the year. The Sabarimala Shrine festival, Vishu, the anniversary puja for the installation of the Ayyappa idol, Onam, Sri Chithira Attam Thirunal, the first two months of the Mandalam Puja season (November–December), and lastly, the Makaravilakku Puja season (January) are additional times when the temple is open to the public.
| Month | Pooja | Opening date | Closing date |
| January 2024 | Makaravilakku Day | 15/01/2024 | |
| February 2024 | Monthly Pooja – Kumbham | 13/02/2024 5pm | 18/02/2024 10pm |
| March 2024 | Monthly Pooja – Meenam | 13/03/2024 5pm | 18/03/2024 10pm |
| Sabarimala Utsavam | 15/03/2024 5pm | 25/03/2024 10pm | |
| Kodiyettu | 16/03/2024 | ||
| Pankuni Uthram & Arattu | 25/03/2024 | ||
| April 2024 | Meda Vishu Festival | 10/04/2024 5pm | 18/04/2024 10pm |
| Vishu | 14/04/2024 | ||
| May 2024 | Monthly Pooja – Edavam | 14/05/2024 5pm | 19/05/2024 10pm |
| Idol Installation Pooja | 18/05/2024 5pm | 19/05/2024 10pm | |
| June 2024 | Monthly Pooja – Midhunam | 14/06/2024 5pm | 19/06/2024 10pm |
| July 2024 | Monthly Pooja – Karkkidakam | 15/07/2024 5pm | 20/07/2024 10pm |
| August 2024 | Monthly Pooja – Chingam | 16/08/2024 5pm | 21/08/2024 10pm |
| September 2024 | Onam Pooja | 13/09/2024 5pm | 17/09/2024 10pm |
| Monthly Pooja – Kanni | 16/09/2024 5pm | 21/09/2024 10pm | |
| Onam Day | 15/09/2024 | ||
| October 2024 | Monthly Pooja – Thulam | 16/10/2024 5pm | 21/10/2024 10pm |
| Sree Chithra Atta Thirunal | 30/10/2024 5pm | 31/10/2024 10pm | |
| November 2024 | Mandala Pooja Maholsavam | 15/11/2024 5pm | 26/12/2024 10pm |
| December 2024 | Madala Pooja | 26/12/2024 | |
| Thirunadai Thirappu – Makaravilakku |
Devotees must plan their pilgrimage well and complete all the necessary preparations and bookings before the closing date. Failing to do so may result in disappointment and the inability to participate in the sacred rituals and darshan during the 2024 pilgrimage season.
Tips for Success for Sabarimala Closing Date
- A pilgrimage to Sabarimala is all about the test of senses. Pilgrims are expected to lead a simple pious life known as ‘Vrutham’ for the successful completion of the pilgrimage.
- The devotee may wear a bead chain with the locket of Sree Ayyappan. Once the chain is worn, the devotee has to lead a life free of worldly pleasures. Vices such as smoking and alcohol use are also a strict no-no. The pilgrim is also required to lead a life of marital abstinence.
- Religious practices mandate that the Mala should be accepted after prayers from a temple priest or a Guru Swami – a person who has completed 18 Sabarimala pilgrimage.
- Mandala Vrutham denotes austerity measures by followers and devotees of Lord Ayyappa for a Mandala or 41 days.
- Simple and pious living sans any vices is called for during the ‘Vrutham’ period. Wearing the Mala denotes the onset of the ‘Vrutham.’ Devotees consider wearing the Mala on a Saturday or on the day of Uthram, the heavenly sign considered auspicious. Uthram is the birth star of Sree Ayyappan.
- The 41-day ‘Vrutham’ idea is to develop discipline and healthy practices and make it a habit. It is all about good habit formation through sustained efforts achieved through self-control and prayers.
- Black is the recommended colour for clothes during the ‘Vruthum’ period as the colour denotes detachment from material things. Cutting hair, shaving off facial hair, and cutting nails are forbidden.
Other Relevant Information
Conditions for pilgrimage
Pilgrims are expected to not gorge on non-vegetarian food except dairy products. They are not to shave, to bathe twice, and not to use foul language. Also, they are not to consume tobacco or alcohol and no sex till the completion of the pilgrimage. While visiting the shrine, the devotees must wear black or plain blue clothes. However, some even wear saffron garments as per the Vedic norms.
All about the holy steps and their significance
The 18 steps leading to the Ayyappa shrine are considered highly sacred. These steps are also a symbolic representation of various elements. While the first five steps indicate five senses, the next eight indicate eight fits of rage; the next three represent TriGunas, whereas the last two stand for vidya and avidya. Also, it is popularly believed that whoever climbs these steps detaches themselves from all worldly desires.
Dress code
Devotees wear blue, black or saffron-coloured costumes. All pilgrims carry an Irrumudi-Kettu, a bag containing a coconut filled with ghee, puja materials, rice and banana which will be folded into two halves and carried on one’s head. Also, all devotees must chant “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa” (which means Ayyappa is my savior) as a token of devotion. Every other person when met at Sabarimala is referred to as Ayyappa and must not be called by his or her name.
Get around the temple
The temple is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 468 m above mean sea level and is surrounded by mountains and dense forests. Temples exist in each of the hills surrounding Sabarimala. While functional and intact temples exist in many surrounding areas. Areas like Nilackal, Kalaketi, and Karimala, remnants of old temples still survive on the remaining hills.
Time to visit
The temple is open for 41 days from November 16th or 17th (1st day of Vrishicka Month of Malayalam Calendar) until mid-January. The grand festivities of Makara Sankrathi marks the end of Mandala pilgrimage. Apart from this pilgrimage season, the temple opens for all 1st and 2nd day for Malayalam Month. Considering the heavy rush, the second option is more ideal for tourists than the Mandala pilgrimage.
Main pujas and offerings:
The main pujas are on the opening and closing days of Mandalam Pilgrimage and on Makara Sankrathi day, which is attended by the maximum number of pilgrims. The 10 day annual festival also coincide with Mandalam pilgrimage.