Sabarimala Pilgrimage Season Commences with Spiritual Fervor
The sacred hills of Sabarimala witnessed a spectacular beginning to the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage on November 16, 2025, as thousands of devotees thronged the temple premises. The spiritual journey began at precisely 5 PM when the sanctum sanctorum opened for the traditional Vrischikam rituals, marking the start of this revered two-month-long religious observance.
Current chief priest Arun Kumar Namboothiri performed the ceremonial opening of the sanctum, after which he descended the 18 sacred steps to light the Aazhi using the lamp brought from the inner sanctum. The air resonated with chants of 'Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa' as devotees celebrated this significant moment in the pilgrimage calendar.
New Leadership Takes Charge at Sacred Temple
This pilgrimage season marks a significant transition in temple leadership with ED Prasad Namboothiri assuming charge as the new Melshanthi (chief priest) of Sabarimala. Simultaneously, M G Manu has taken over as the chief priest of Malikappuram temple. The ceremonial transition was supervised by outgoing priest Arun Kumar Namboothiri, who guided the newly appointed priests to the Sannidhanam.
The opening ceremony saw the presence of distinguished personalities including Tantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru and newly appointed Travancore Devaswom Board President K Jayakumar, who visited Sabarimala Sannidhanam with other officials to oversee the arrangements.
Elaborate Preparations for Pilgrim Comfort
Authorities have implemented comprehensive measures to accommodate the massive influx of devotees expected during this pilgrimage season. The Travancore Devaswom Board and state government have established extensive facilities across Sannidhanam and Pamba to ensure a comfortable experience for pilgrims.
Key infrastructure improvements include:
- A well-marked trekking route with benches along Chandranandan Road from Marakkoottam to Sannidhanam
- A 400-meter retaining wall on both sides of the queue complex between Valiyanadapandal and Saramkuthi
- 56 ginger water distribution points between Pamba and Sannidhanam
- Multiple hot drinking water kiosks for pilgrim convenience
To manage the crowd effectively, authorities have implemented a cap on daily pilgrim numbers. The system permits 70,000-90,000 devotees through the virtual queue system and an additional 20,000 via spot booking each day. This organized approach aims to maintain the spiritual atmosphere while ensuring safety and comfort for all participants.
The Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage will continue until January 20, 2026, offering devotees ample opportunity to participate in this sacred journey that attracts Ayyappa followers from across India and around the world.
