special season
📅 Opens: Saturday, 21 November 2026 · Closes: Saturday, 26 December 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.
Ekadasi (एकादशी) is the 11th day of each lunar fortnight — a day of partial or full fast observed across the Vaishnava and Saiva traditions. For Ayyappa devotees on Mandala vratham, Ekadasi is an opportunity to deepen the discipline. Many time their Sabarimala darshan to coincide with Ekadasi — the temple is open during Mandala, and the Ekadasi vibration adds spiritual potency. Two Ekadasi days fall within the 41-day Mandala 2026 window.
Daily opening (Sannidhanam)
Morning
4:00 AM → 1:00 PM
Evening
3:30 PM → 10:30 PM
Ekadasi days follow standard Mandala-season opening hours — no special schedule. Crowds can spike on these days.
Key dates within the season
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21 Nov 2026
Utpanna Ekadasi (Krishna Paksha)
First Ekadasi within Mandala 2026 — five days after Mandala season opens.
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6 Dec 2026
Mokshada Ekadasi (Shukla Paksha)
Falls mid-Mandala — popular for devotees timing their darshan to spiritual peak days.
-
20 Dec 2026
Saphala Ekadasi (Krishna Paksha)
Last Ekadasi before Mandala Pooja day — devotees often plan darshan around this date.
Why Ekadasi within Mandala matters
The 41-day Mandala vratham asks for sattvic discipline every day — but Ekadasi tightens the discipline further. Many devotees observe full fasting on Ekadasi (no grain, sometimes no water until afternoon), reserve the day for extended Bhajan + Pooja, and time their Sabarimala darshan to align with these days.
Three Ekadasis fall within Mandala 2026
| Date | Ekadasi | Notes |
|---|
| 21 Nov 2026 | Utpanna Ekadasi | Early Mandala — opens the contemplative cycle |
| 6 Dec 2026 | Mokshada Ekadasi | Mid-Mandala — favoured timing for darshan |
| 20 Dec 2026 | Saphala Ekadasi | Final Ekadasi before Mandala Pooja day |
Plan around these dates if Ekadasi observance is part of your vratham
Crowds at Sannidhanam spike on Ekadasi during Mandala season — anyone planning darshan around these days should:
- Book Q-pass slots early (the day before Ekadasi tends to be most contested)
- Allow extra buffer time at Pampa
- Carry only Ekadasi-permitted foods if you’re fasting (most devotees keep coconut water + fruits)
This page is curated by Sree Ayyappa Temple, Yeshwanthpur. For guidance on Ekadasi observance during vratham, reach the temple at +91 7353063336 or visit the morning pooja.