Mumbai: The Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala Temple is one of the most significant religious events in Kerala. The festival is celebrated on January 14, 2025, coinciding with Makara Sankranti, and marks the culmination of the pilgrimage season. Devotees gather in large numbers to witness the Makara Jyothi (divine light) on the Ponnambalamedu hill.
The festival is not only a sacred occasion for worship but also a moment of spiritual awakening, as devotees go through a series of rigorous rituals and austerities leading up to the day.
The ritual of Makaravilakku has been part of the Sabarimala tradition for centuries and is considered one of the most important events for devotees. It begins with the sacred Thiruvabharanam procession and culminates with the darshan of Makara Jyothi, a divine light believed to symbolise the presence of Lord Ayyappa.
The event is an experience of communal devotion and spiritual fulfilment, attracting pilgrims from across India and the world.
Sabarimala Makaravilakku 2025 Date, rituals and their timings
Date: 14th January 2025
Makara Vilakku Sankranti Moment: 9:03 am
The festival’s rituals and timings are as follows on January 14, 2025:
- Opening of the Temple: 3 am
- Abhishekam: 3:30 am – 11:00 am
- Image Purification: 11:30 am
- Kalabhabhishekam: 12 pm
- Lunch Pooja: 12:30 pm
- Temple Gate Closing: 1 pm
- Evening Temple Gate Opening: 5 pm
- Flower Anointing: 7 pm
- Harivarasanam: 10:50 pm
- Closing of the Temple: 11 pm
Significance of Makaravilakku
The festival is deeply rooted in Indian astrology and legend. The term Makara Vilakku refers to the sacred light that appears on the hilltop of Ponnambalamedu, which symbolises the divine presence of Lord Ayyappa. The sighting of the Makara Jyothi marks the transition of the sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn.
Devotees from across India participate in this festival and follow strict rituals. They observe a 41-day fast, wear a Rudraksha necklace, and refrain from indulgences such as alcohol and smoking. Pilgrims carry a special bundle called Irumudi containing offerings to Lord Ayyappa.
Restrictions for pilgrims for Makaravilakku 2025
Below are the guidelines and restrictions for the Makaravilakku Festival:
Entry restrictions:
- Pilgrims will not be allowed to enter the shrine from Pampa after 10 am on January 14.
- After the noon puja, the shrine will remain closed for an hour. Pilgrims will only be allowed to climb the 18th step after reaching the Thiruvabharanam shrine in the evening.
- Entry to the Sopanam (pathway) is restricted after noon. Only those with special passes signed by the Devaswom Vigilance SP will be allowed to enter the Thirumuttam.
- Night travel will be restricted on the wildlife route. Pilgrims must return to the inn after witnessing the Makaravilakku at Pullumedu and can travel to Sannidhanam the following morning.
Viewing Makara Jyoti:
- Nilakkal: Makara Jyoti can be viewed from Attathod, Attathod West Colony, Ilavunkal, Nellimala, and Ayyanmala.
- Pampa: Viewpoints include Hilltop, Hilltop Central, Valianavattom, and various locations in Sannidhanam, such as Pandithavalam, Darshanam Complex, and Annadana Mandapam.
- Pilgrims are prohibited from viewing Makara Jyothi from treetops, rooftops, or water tanks.
Special Passes and Travel Guidelines:
- Only those with virtual queue bookings or spot bookings will be allowed to travel from Nilakkal to Pampa.
- Vehicles will be allowed to pass from Nilakkal to Pampa only until 10 am and from Pampa to Sannidhanam until 12 pm. Entry to Sannidhanam will be permitted after the Thiruvabharanam procession reaches Saramkuthi at 5:30 pm.
- Pilgrims travelling from Sabarimala to Pullumedu can do so between 9 am and 2 pm.
Prohibited Activities:
- Cooking: Temporary cooking setups are prohibited at Pampa, Sannidhanam, and surrounding areas.
This sacred festival not only signifies the divine presence of Lord Ayyappa but also highlights the deep cultural and spiritual importance it holds for the devotees. The grand sight of the Makara Jyothi marks the peak of the festival and attracts thousands of pilgrims, creating a powerful spiritual experience.
As the Makaravilakku festival concludes, devotees return with a sense of spiritual transformation, having completed the 41-day austerity period, which involves fasting, celibacy, and strict discipline. The sight of the Makara Jyothi is not only a divine moment but also a symbol of the blessings they receive for their devotion. The pilgrimage ends for many with the Kuruthi Puja, signifying the completion of the Makaravilakku festivities.
This sacred occasion is an embodiment of faith, perseverance, and devotion, where pilgrims undergo physical and spiritual hardships to receive the blessings of Lord Ayyappa. For those participating in Makaravilakku 2025, it will be a life-changing experience, representing the culmination of deep reverence and commitment to the Lord.
Makaravilakku 2025 falls on January 14 and is a prominent festival celebrated at Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. Devotees gather to witness the divine Makara Jyothi, symbolising the presence of Lord Ayyappa. The festival follows strict rituals and celebrates the transition of the Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn. Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
