The sacred Mandala season at the renowned Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala has drawn to a close, marking the end of a period of intense spiritual fervor. The season, which concluded on December 26, witnessed an overwhelming influx of faith, with more than 30 lakh devotees undertaking the pilgrimage to the hill shrine.
Record-Breaking Pilgrimage and Financial Inflow
Official data released by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple, reveals staggering figures. The pilgrimage season, spanning from November 16 to December 26, saw a total of 30,27,433 devotees offering prayers at the sanctum sanctorum. This massive footfall translated into an impressive financial contribution, with the temple's revenue reaching Rs 332.77 crore.
This revenue was generated through various streams, including offerings made at the hundial (collection box), virtual queue bookings, and special darshan tickets. The figures underscore the temple's pivotal role not just as a spiritual center but also as a significant economic entity for the region.
Key Dates and Rituals of the Season
The Mandala season is a 41-day period of religious observance that holds immense significance for Ayyappa devotees. It commenced with the Mandala Pooja on November 16, following the traditional rituals of Neyyabhishekam. The season's culmination on December 26 was marked by the sacred 'Guruthi' pooja, a powerful ritual performed at the Malikappuram temple.
An important milestone during this period was the Makara Jyothi ritual on December 14, a celestial event that attracts lakhs of pilgrims to the temple premises and the nearby Ponnambalamedu hill. The smooth conduct of this event, along with the entire season, is a testament to the administrative and logistical planning involved.
Administrative Management and Future Outlook
The Travancore Devaswom Board, led by President Anantha Gopan and member K. S. Ravi, oversaw the management of the season. The board highlighted the successful coordination between various government departments, including the police, fire and rescue services, and health departments, which ensured the safety and convenience of the millions of pilgrims.
With the conclusion of the Mandala season, the temple will remain open for daily poojas. The focus now shifts to the upcoming Makaravilakku season, which is scheduled to begin on December 30 and will extend until January 20, 2025. Authorities are expected to build on the experience from the Mandala season to facilitate an even smoother pilgrimage for the next wave of devotees.
The successful season, with its record revenue, also provides the TDB with enhanced resources for the development and maintenance of temple facilities, ensuring that the sacred site continues to serve the spiritual needs of millions for generations to come.
