Sabarimala Sri Dharmashasta Temple is gearing up to welcome devotees as it opens its gates on May 14th, 2024, at 5 pm for the auspicious occasion of Edava Masa Pratistha Day Pujas. The temple’s sanctum will be accessible to devotees until May 19th, 2024, at 10 pm, marking the conclusion of the special ceremonies.
Sabarimala Temple will open its doors for the observance of Idavamasa Puja on May 14th, 2024. The Chief Priest (Melshanthi), P.N Mahesh Namboothiri, will perform the opening of the Ayyappa Sannidhi sanctum sanctorum. Following this, the traditional lamp lighting ceremony will take place. It’s important to note that there won’t be any special pujas held on the day of the temple opening (14th).
The temple will reopen for regular darshan on the 15th of May at 5 am. The Idavamasa Puja rituals will be carried out over the next few days, concluding with the closing ceremony on the 19th of May at 10 pm. The ceremony will culminate with the singing of the auspicious Harivarasanam hymn.
Notable Events:
- The Sabarimala temple’s doors will swing open on the 14th.
- Celebrate Pratishtha Day on the 18th.
- Experience the melodious rendition of Harivarasanam at 10 pm on the 19th.
Sabarimala Temple to Open for Idavamasa Puja
Sabarimala temple will open its doors on the 14th of May for the Idavamasa puja. The Pratishtha Day will be celebrated on the 18th.
Opening Ceremony
The temple will be opened on the 14th at 5:00 PM in a ceremony presided over by the temple Tantri, Kantaru Mahesh Mohan. The Melshantis, PN Mahesh Namboothiri for the Ayyappa Sannidhi and PN Murali Namboothiri for the Malikappuram Temple, will perform the opening rituals.
The ceremony will begin with the lighting of lamps in the presence of the chief priest. The Melshantis will then open the sanctums of Lord Ganapati and Nagar, sub-deities of the temple. After lighting lamps in these sanctums, the ceremonial fire will be lit in front of the 18th step. The ceremony will conclude with the distribution of Vibhuti Prasad to devotees by the Tantri and Melshantis.
Sabarimala Temple Update for Nata Opening Day (May 14th):
- No pujas will be held at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Sannidhi or Malikappuram temple on May 14th, the first day of Nata.
- Darshan for devotees will still be available.
- The temple will close after Harivarasanam chanting at 10 pm and reopen on July 15th at 5 am.
- Nirmalya darshan (viewing of the previous day’s offerings) and regular Abhishekam (ceremonial bathing of the deity) will take place.
- The evening will feature Mahaganapati homam (fire ritual) at 5:30 pm, followed by ghee anointing of the deity.
Temple Schedule: May 15th – 19th
Daily Events:
- Usha Puja: 7:30 AM
- Ucha Puja: 12:30 PM
Special Events (May 15th – 19th):
- Udayastamaya Puja
- 25 Kalasabhishekam
- Kalabhabhishekam
- Padipuja
- Pushpabhishekam
Temple Timings:
- Tirunada closes daily at 1:00 PM and reopens at 5:00 PM.
- Darshan booking available through virtual queue system.
Closing Ceremony:
- May 19th: Temple closes at 10:00 PM with Harivarasanam chanting.
Special KSRTC Bus Services to Facilitate Pilgrimage:
In light of the anticipated influx of pilgrims, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has organized dedicated bus services to ensure smooth transportation during this sacred period. A fleet of 100 buses will be deployed, with the following distribution:
- 50 buses will operate along the Pampa-Nilakkal route, providing a continuous service chain.
- 30 buses will originate from Chengannur.
- 15 buses will be stationed at Pathanamthitta.
- 5 buses will be available from Kumali.
Key Points to Note:
- The primary bus services to Pampa will be operated from Chengannur and Pathanamthitta depots, with schedules aligned to accommodate train arrivals and departures at the Chengannur railway station.
- All buses returning from Pampa will conclude their journey at the Chengannur railway station to facilitate convenient onward travel arrangements.
Temple Itinerary:
- May 15th:
- The ceremonial opening of the Sabarimala Nata will be officiated by Melshanti VN Mahesh Namboothiri in the esteemed presence of Tantri Kantarar Mahesh Mohan.
- Devotees will have the privilege to ascend the 18th step, marking a significant moment of reverence.
- Commencement of regular temple rituals, including Nirmalya darshan, abhishekam, and Ganapathi homam, will ensue.
- From May 15th Onwards:
- Neyabhishekam, the sacred offering of ghee, will be conducted twice daily, from 5.30 am to 7 am and 9 am to 11 am.
- Daily rituals will include Ushapuja, Udayastamayapuja, Kalabhabhishekam, Uchapuja, Diparadhana, Padipuja, Pushpabhishekam, and dinner pooja.
- Bhagavatiseva will be performed daily at the Malikappuram temple post Deeparadhana.