The highly anticipated 41-day Mandala season of the Sabarimala pilgrimage is set to begin this Saturday, with the temple’s opening ceremonies starting on Friday evening. Devotees from across India will undertake the sacred journey from Pampa to Sannidhanam, where the Melshanti, P.N. Mahesh Namboothiri, will open the sanctum sanctorum at 4:00 pm on Friday, marking the start of the season. This pilgrimage season is significant, as worshippers seek spiritual connection, purity, and blessings from Lord Ayyappa. The sacred “Pathinettampadi,” or 18th step, awaits pilgrims for their prayers, with the temple staying open for 62 days, allowing devotees daily darshan for 18 hours.
In addition to the Mandala puja, scheduled for December 26, the season’s grand finale will be the Makara Vilakku ceremony on January 14, drawing thousands to witness this revered event. The newly appointed Melshanti, S. Arun Kumar Namboothiri, will take over on Saturday, further signifying this season’s renewal.
Alongside the spiritual preparations, a new project will soon enhance the pilgrimage experience: a 2.7-kilometer ropeway from Pamba to Sannidhanam. Once completed, the ropeway will reduce the time needed for transporting essential goods and provide an emergency evacuation route, covering the distance in around 10 minutes. The project, estimated at Rs 250 crore and expected to start this season, will operate under a Build-Operate-Transfer model. The revised plan aims to limit environmental impact, reducing the number of supporting pillars from seven to five and the number of trees cut from 300 to 80.
Travancore Devaswom Board President, P.S. Prasanth, confirmed that parking facilities for up to 15,000 vehicles will be arranged at Nilakkal, Pamba Hilltop, and Chakkupallam-II to ease congestion for devotees. This year’s Mandala season promises both tradition and improved infrastructure, enhancing the Sabarimala pilgrimage experience.
