The Sabarimala temple opens for the 2026–27 Mandala season on the evening of Monday, 16 November 2026, and the 41-day Mandala period begins on 17 November (Vrischikam 1). Mandala Pooja is on Sunday, 27 December 2026, after which the temple closes briefly and reopens on 30 December for the Makaravilakku festival, expected on 14 January 2027. To complete the full 41-day vratham before your darshan, wear the mala at least 41 days before the day you plan to climb the eighteen steps.
Sabarimala 2026–27: key dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Temple opens for Mandala season | Monday 16 November 2026, evening |
| Mandala period begins (Vrischikam 1) | Tuesday 17 November 2026 |
| Mandala Pooja | Sunday 27 December 2026 (temple closes that night) |
| Temple reopens for Makaravilakku | Wednesday 30 December 2026, evening |
| Makaravilakku and Makara Jyothi | expected Thursday 14 January 2027* |
| Season closes | around 20 January 2027 |
*Makaravilakku is tied to Makara Sankranti; a few calendars list 15 January. The Travancore Devaswom Board publishes the final schedule each season, so confirm on the official Sabarimala website before you travel.
Free PDF guide
Sabarimala 2026–27: Vratham Starter Guide
Season dates, when to wear the mala, the 41-day rules as a checklist, the irumudi and the climb: 7 phone-friendly pages for Kanni Swamis and their families. Enter your email and the download appears right here.
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When should I wear the mala?
Count back 41 days from the day you plan to have darshan. Two common examples for this season:
- For darshan on Mandala Pooja (27 December): wear the mala by 16–17 November. Many devotees wear it on Vrischikam 1, 17 November, the traditional start of the vratham.
- For darshan on Makaravilakku (14 January 2027): wear the mala by about 4 December 2026.
If you are going on another day in the season, count back 41 days from that date. The mala is usually worn at a temple, or put on by your guruswami, the experienced pilgrim who leads your group. Always follow your guruswami's guidance on dates.
The 41-day vratham: the rules
The vratham is a period of discipline modelled on the life of a brahmachari. From the day you wear the mala you are called Swami, and you address every other pilgrim as Swami too. The commonly followed rules are:
- Wear the mala (tulsi or rudraksha) throughout, and don't remove it until you return.
- Wear black, blue or saffron clothes.
- Keep celibacy for the whole period.
- Eat simple vegetarian food; no meat, eggs, alcohol or tobacco.
- Bathe twice a day and pray at dawn and dusk.
- Don't cut your hair or shave, as many groups observe.
- Walk barefoot where you can, and sleep simply.
- Avoid anger, harsh words and gossip. The inner discipline matters as much as the outer.
Customs vary between groups and regions. Some are strict about a single meal a day or sleeping on the floor; others are gentler. Follow your guruswami.
What goes in the irumudi?
The irumudi ("two-part bundle") is carried on the head and is required to climb the eighteen holy steps. It is packed at the kettunira ceremony, usually at a temple or home, just before you leave.
- Front pouch (munkettu): the offerings for Ayyappa, above all the neythenga, a coconut filled with ghee for the neyyabhishekam, along with rice, turmeric, camphor, incense, betel and coins.
- Back pouch (pinkettu): provisions for the journey, traditionally rice and simple food.
The journey, in brief
Traditional pilgrims begin at Erumeli, where they dance the petta thullal and visit the Vavar shrine, then take the forest path. Most pilgrims today travel to Pampa, bathe in the river, and climb about 5 km through Neelimala and Appachimedu to Sabaripeedam and Saramkuthi, where first-time pilgrims leave the sharakol (arrow). At the Sannidhanam you climb the Pathinettam Padi, the eighteen steps, with the irumudi on your head, have darshan, and offer the ghee for neyyabhishekam. Pilgrims then visit Malikappuram and Vavar Nada before returning.
During the peak season, darshan is managed through the virtual queue booking on the official Sabarimala website. Rules and booking dates change each season, so check before you travel.
First time? A note for Kanni Swamis
A first-time pilgrim is called a Kanni Swami or Kanni Ayyappan. Go with an experienced group, learn the daily prayer and the saranam calls, and prepare physically for the climb in the weeks before. If you have a heart or knee condition, speak to a doctor about the trek first.
The complete pilgrim's guide
Sabarimala Ayyappa Vratham 2026–27 walks you through the whole vratham, from wearing the mala to removing it at home: the story of Ayyappa, Malikappuram and Vavar, all 2026–27 season dates with a guide to when to wear the mala for your chosen day, a day in the vratham, the irumudi and kettunira, the journey from Erumeli and Pampa, the eighteen steps and neyyabhishekam, and the prayers to Dharma Shasta and the saranam calls with meaning. Written for Kanni Swamis and their families. Instant PDF, ₹249.
Browse more in our Sacred Texts & Spiritual Books collection.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Sabarimala Mandala season start in 2026?
The temple opens on the evening of Monday 16 November 2026, and the 41-day Mandala period begins on 17 November (Vrischikam 1). Mandala Pooja is on 27 December 2026.
When is Makaravilakku 2027?
Makaravilakku is expected on 14 January 2027, with the temple reopening for the festival on 30 December 2026. A few calendars give 15 January; confirm with the official schedule.
When should I wear the Ayyappa mala for Makaravilakku?
Count back 41 days from your darshan day. For Makaravilakku on 14 January 2027, wear the mala by about 4 December 2026.
What are the rules of the 41-day Ayyappa vratham?
Wear the mala and black, blue or saffron clothes; keep celibacy; eat simple vegetarian food without alcohol or tobacco; bathe twice and pray daily; and avoid anger. Many also don't shave or cut their hair.
What is kept in the irumudi?
The front pouch holds the offerings, chiefly a ghee-filled coconut for the neyyabhishekam, and the back pouch holds provisions for the journey.
General guidance on a traditional observance. Customs differ between groups; always follow your guruswami. Check the official Sabarimala website for current season rules and booking.