The essential guides
Prepare for the pilgrimage
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practical
How to Book Sabarimala Darshan in 2026-27 — Complete Guide
Step-by-step Sabarimala darshan booking via the official TDB virtual queue. Booking window, dates, travel coordination, and Bangalore-specific tips.
7 min read
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ritual
Sabarimala 41-Day Vratham — A Practical Guide
The 41-day spiritual discipline every Sabarimala pilgrim observes — what to do, what to avoid, mantras, food, dress, and lifestyle. Curated for Bangalore devotees.
9 min read
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ritual
How to Prepare Your Irumudi — Sabarimala Pilgrim's Guide
Step-by-step preparation of the sacred irumudi — what goes in front (offerings) and back (personal items), how to tie the knots, and the irumudi kettu ceremony.
8 min read
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travel
Bangalore to Sabarimala — Complete Travel Guide
Routes from Bangalore to Sabarimala — KSRTC direct buses, train + bus combos, car routes, flight + transfer, and group pilgrimage logistics. With Pampa-to-Sannidhanam trek details.
10 min read
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spiritual
First-Time Sabarimala Pilgrim — Complete Beginner's Guide
Everything a first-time Sabarimala pilgrim needs — when to go, the 41-day discipline, the irumudi, what to expect at Sannidhanam, dos and don'ts.
8 min read
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spiritual
Sabarimala — What Not to Miss (Beyond the Darshan)
Pampa river bath, Vavar Swamy shrine at Erumeli, Pathinettam Padi, Neyyabhishekam, Aravana payasam, Makaravilakku darshan — the moments that complete the pilgrimage.
6 min read
Sabarimala year
Season calendar
All dates verified per the latest TDB announcement before each season.
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monthly-pooja
Monthly Poojas — Malayalam Year 1202 (2026-27)
17 Jun 2026 → 14 May 2027
Sabarimala temple opens for 5 days at the start of each Malayalam month for the monthly pooja. A short window for devotees who can't time the major seasons but want a Sannidhanam visit.
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mandala
Mandala Pooja 2026
17 Nov 2026 → 27 Dec 2026
The 41-day Mandala season opens on 17 November 2026. Sabarimala temple is open through 27 December 2026 culminating in the Mandala Pooja. The traditional opening of the Sabarimala pilgrimage year.
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special
Ekadasi during Mandala — 2026 cycle
21 Nov 2026 → 26 Dec 2026
The Ekadasi days that fall within the 41-day Mandala season — extra spiritual days when many devotees plan their Sannidhanam darshan. Mandala 2026 covers two Ekadasi cycles.
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special
Karthika Pournami 2026
24 Nov 2026 → 24 Nov 2026
Karthika Pournami — the full-moon day in Vrishchika month — falls on 24 November 2026. Falls within the Mandala season; Deeparadhana attendance peaks. One of the most spiritually significant single days in the Sabarimala year.
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makaravilakku
Makaravilakku 2027
30 Dec 2026 → 20 Jan 2027
The Makaravilakku season culminates with the sighting of the divine Makarajyothi on Makara Sankranti — 14 January 2027. The most spiritually charged moment in Sabarimala's annual cycle.
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vishu
Vishu 2027
10 Apr 2027 → 19 Apr 2027
Vishu — the Malayalam New Year — opens a 10-day Sabarimala season culminating on Vishu Day, 14 April 2027. A shorter but spiritually intense window for devotees who couldn't pilgrimage during Mandala or Makaravilakku.
Bangalore devotees
Begin your pilgrimage at the temple
Maladharanam, irumudi-kettu ceremony, group pilgrimage logistics — Sree Ayyappa Temple, Yeshwanthpur supports devotees through the full 41-day vratham and the journey to Sannidhanam.
How the temple helps →