The Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple in Kerala, one of India’s most significant pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, doesn’t operate as a daily-open temple. Instead, it follows a fixed calendar of opening periods tied to the traditional Malayalam calendar, and understanding this calendar is essential for anyone planning a pilgrimage in 2026.
The Meenam Festival (Already Concluded for 2026)
Earlier in 2026, Sabarimala opened for its annual Meenam festival, running from March 22 to April 1, 2026. The festival began with the temple opening on March 22, with the Kodiyettu (flag-hoisting) ceremony the following day, presided over by the temple’s Tantri. Core observances from March 23 to 31 included daily Utsavabali and Sreebhoothabali rituals, with the notable Pallivetta ceremony held on March 31, a ritual procession conducted in complete ritual silence. The festival concluded on April 1 with the Arattu ritual and flag-lowering ceremony.
Monthly Poojas Through Mid-2026
Beyond the major festival seasons, Sabarimala opens periodically throughout the year for monthly poojas, shorter windows tied to the Malayalam calendar. For the 2026-27 cycle specifically, the temple was noted as remaining open for Monthly Poojas through May 14, with daily darshan during these windows generally running from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Mandala Season 2026: The Major Upcoming Opening
The most significant upcoming opening for most pilgrims is the Mandala season, which begins November 16, 2026, marking the start of the 41-day pilgrimage period that culminates in the Mandala Pooja. This is the only period of the year when the temple (Thirunada) remains continuously open for a stretch of 41 consecutive days, making it the primary season during which the vast majority of annual pilgrims complete their journey after observing the traditional 41-day Vratham (a period of vegetarian food, celibacy, and simple, disciplined living).
Mandala Pooja Date
Mandala Pooja, the grand ceremonial conclusion of the 41-day Mandala Kalam and one of the most significant and heavily attended days on the Sabarimala calendar, falls on December 27, 2026. This is described by pilgrimage guides as among the single most crowded days of the year at the temple. Following Mandala Pooja, the temple closes for a brief period, traditionally around three days, before reopening for the subsequent Makaravilakku season.
Makaravilakku Season
The temple reopens for the Makaravilakku season around December 30, 2026, continuing through approximately January 20, 2027. The centerpiece of this season is Makara Sankranti, January 14, 2027, when the Makaravilakku (a divine light) is traditionally observed on Ponnambalamedu hills near the temple, considered by devotees to be among the most significant moments of the entire pilgrimage calendar. This period, spanning the tail end of Mandala season through Makaravilakku, represents by far the highest-traffic and most logistically demanding time to visit, and pilgrimage guides consistently recommend booking the mandatory Virtual Queue system as early as booking opens, expected in early-to-mid November 2026, given how quickly slots and nearby accommodation fill.
Daily Darshan Timings
Outside of peak festival crowding, when timings can be extended to accommodate demand, Sabarimala’s standard daily darshan schedule generally runs from approximately 4:00 AM to 1:00 PM, then reopens from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Some sources cite a simpler 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM window for standard operating days; exact timings can vary somewhat by specific pooja day and season, so checking the current schedule close to a planned visit date is advisable.
The Idol Installation Pooja
A smaller but spiritually significant occasion on the 2026 calendar is the Idol Installation Pooja, commemorating the anniversary of the sacred idol’s consecration at Sannidhanam, observed as a two-day occasion opening May 25, 2026 at 5 PM and closing May 26, 2026 at 10 PM.
Practical Pilgrimage Notes
Devotees undertaking the pilgrimage traditionally observe the 41-day Vratham beforehand and carry the Irumudi Kettu, a sacred bundle of offerings, on their head during the ascent to the shrine. The temple features the Pathinettam Padi, 18 holy steps leading to the sanctum, considered deeply significant in the pilgrimage tradition. Given the temple’s remote forest location within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, checking current weather conditions, particularly during monsoon-adjacent periods, and booking Virtual Queue and accommodation well in advance for peak season dates are both standard practical recommendations from pilgrimage guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Sabarimala open for Mandala season in 2026? November 16, 2026, beginning the 41-day pilgrimage period that continues through Mandala Pooja on December 27, 2026.
What is the Makaravilakku date for the 2026-27 season? Makara Sankranti/Makaravilakku falls on January 14, 2027, with the broader Makaravilakku season running from approximately December 30, 2026 to January 20, 2027.
What are Sabarimala’s standard daily darshan timings? Approximately 4:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM on standard opening days, though timings can be extended during peak festival periods.
Disclaimer: Sabarimala temple dates are set by the Travancore Devaswom Board according to the Malayalam calendar and may shift by a day in either direction based on official confirmation. Verify current dates and Virtual Queue booking details on the official Sabarimala portal before travelling.