Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is a world-renowned pilgrimage center located on a hilltop amidst the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Ayyappan, a celibate deity, the temple attracts tens of millions of devotees annually. The pilgrimage is unique and demanding, requiring a mandatory 41-day period of spiritual discipline and austerities ('Vratham') before embarking on the journey. The temple is not open year-round; it opens for the main Mandala-Makaravilakku season (mid-Nov to mid-Jan) and for short periods each month. The final approach involves a strenuous trek to reach the sanctum and climb the 18 sacred golden steps.
Daily Schedule (During Open Season)
Temple opens with Nirmalyam and Abhishekam.
Continuous darshan and pujas like Usha Pooja and Ucha Pooja.
Temple is closed for the afternoon.
Temple reopens for evening darshan.
Deeparadhana (evening lamp ritual).
Darshan continues. Pushpabhishekam is performed around 7:30 PM.
Athazha Pooja and Harivarasanam (lullaby to the Lord), after which the temple closes.
Exceptions
Seasonal Closure
Free Darshan (Virtual-Q Booking Mandatory)
Darshan is free, but all pilgrims must pre-book their slot through the Virtual-Q online portal to manage the immense crowd. A confirmed booking is required to proceed from the base camp.
Malikappurathamma
Adjacent shrine dedicated to the Goddess
Vavar
A Muslim saint and devotee of Ayyappan, whose shrine is also worshipped
Mandalam-Makaravilakku Festival
The main pilgrimage season, spanning approximately two months. It culminates with Makaravilakku, the appearance of a celestial light on the horizon, witnessed by millions.