Devotees from across the country and beyond gathered at the sacred Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple in Kerala as its doors swung open on Saturday, marking the commencement of the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku festivals and the onset of the revered two-month-long pilgrimage season. In a solemn ceremony, the Chief priest presided over the sanctum sanctorum’s opening, alongside the temple’s thantri.
The 41-day Mandala season officially commenced with the advent of the month of Vrishchikam in the Malayalam calendar and is scheduled to conclude on December 27. Following a brief closure, the temple will reopen on December 30, 2023, to usher in the Makaravilakku festival. The pinnacle of this festival, the Makaravilakku Darshan, is scheduled for January 15, 2024, and the festivities will conclude on January 20, 2024.
The Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, holds a special place among the Sastha temples in Kerala, revered by devotees from various walks of life. Perched on a hilltop approximately 3000 feet above sea level, this sacred shrine remains accessible to people of all religious backgrounds, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and unity.
In preparation for the upcoming festival season, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims. A massive deployment of approximately 13,000 police personnel has been planned to maintain security and order throughout the pilgrimage. Additionally, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will operate an impressive fleet of 500 buses daily, ferrying devotees from various locations to the temple’s base camp at Pamba.
