Mandala Pooja 2025 at Sabarimala: Date, significance and 41-day Ayyappa vratham explained

Mandala Pooja 2025 at Sabarimala: Date, significance and 41-day Ayyappa vratham explained

Mandala Pooja 2025 at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple marks a deeply sacred milestone for devotees observing the traditional 41-day Ayyappa Vratham. Celebrated on the 11th or 12th day of Dhanu Masam, this holy day concludes a period of strict discipline, devotion and spiritual preparation dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.

Observed annually with immense faith, Mandala Pooja holds a central place in the Sabarimala pilgrimage season. Devotees from across India undertake the vratam, following age-old customs that reflect purity, self-control and surrender to the divine.

The 41-day austerity begins on the first day of Vrishchikam Masam, as per the Malayalam calendar. From this day, devotees adopt a simple lifestyle, observe celibacy, maintain strict dietary rules and focus on spiritual practices. This period prepares devotees mentally and spiritually for the sacred darshan of Lord Ayyappa.

The conclusion of this vratam is marked by Mandala Pooja, making the day emotionally and spiritually significant for pilgrims.

Mandala Pooja symbolizes the completion of spiritual discipline and devotion. On this day, special rituals and prayers are performed at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, and thousands of devotees gather to seek blessings after successfully completing the vratam.

The occasion reflects values of patience, devotion and inner transformation, which have been followed for generations and continue to guide devotees even today.

Mandala Pooja and Makar Vilakku are the two most important events in the Sabarimala temple calendar. During this period, the temple remains open for extended days, allowing pilgrims ample time for darshan.

While Mandala Pooja marks the end of the initial pilgrimage phase, Makar Vilakku follows later, drawing even larger crowds and concluding the season on an equally sacred note.

Even in modern times, Mandala Pooja continues to inspire devotion through its emphasis on discipline, equality and faith. The rituals followed during this period reflect traditions passed down through generations, reminding devotees of the timeless values rooted in the worship of Lord Ayyappa.