Sabarimala 2025: Complete guide to opening dates, pilgrimage rituals and travel tips

Key rituals for a fulfilling Sabarimala pilgrimage:

Mandala Vrutham: 41-day austerity

Mandala Vrutham refers to the 41 days of strict self-discipline and piety. Pilgrims wear the Mala on a Saturday or during Uthram, the birth star of Lord Ayyappa, which is considered auspicious. This practice aims to cultivate good habits and spiritual discipline through daily prayers and self-restraint.

Kettunirakkal: Preparation for pilgrimage

The ritual of Kettunirakkal involves preparing the ‘Irumudi Kettu,’ a sacred offering for the pilgrimage. The offering, consisting of ghee-filled coconuts, symbolises the removal of worldly attachments and the filling of the mind with spiritual aspirations.

Petta Thullal: Sacred dance of victory

Petta Thullal is a traditional ritualistic dance that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It marks the beginning of the final leg of the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Performers, often over 1,000 devotees, engage in this dance after sighting a kite in the sky at noon.

The dance culminates in paying homage to Lord Ayyappa’s trusted lieutenant, Vavar, at a nearby mosque. The celebratory dance continues as the pilgrims head to the Sree Dharma Sastha Temple for the grand festival.

Traditional path to Sabarimala

There are several routes to reach the temple, with the Erumeli route being the most traditional. This route is believed to be the one Lord Ayyappa took to defeat the demoness Mahishi. The 61 km trek through forests and hills is challenging and spiritually significant.

Along the way, pilgrims stop at various shrines dedicated to Ayyappa and Vavar Swami. Some notable spots include Perur Thodu, Kaalaketti, and Azhutha River, all holding special meaning in the journey.

Ulsavam

The Ulsavam is the grand annual festival held at the Sabarimala temple, usually in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April). It lasts for 10 days, beginning with the hoisting of the temple flag, Kodiyettam. Several special poojas, including Ulsavabali and Sree Bhootha Bali, are performed.

The festival’s highlight is the Pallivetta, a ceremonial royal hunt, followed by the Arattu, a holy dip in the Pampa River. The Ulsavam concludes with the special pooja on ‘Panguni Uthram,’ the birth star of Lord Ayyappa.

Sabarimala opening and closing dates 2025

By Rail: Pilgrims can travel to Kottayam or Chengannur by train and continue by road to Pampa.
By Air: The nearest airports are Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, from where pilgrims can take a train or road transport to Pampa.
By Road: KSRTC offers bus services to Coimbatore, Palani, and Thenkasi, and buses are also available from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to Pampa. Additionally, there is a chain bus service between Pampa and Nilackal base camps for pilgrims.

Sabarimala temple timings

Usual opening: 5 am
Usual closing: 10 pm
Peak season timings may vary to accommodate more devotees.