<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe other major pilgrimage season, the Makaravilakku festival, is observed just the next month on the Makar Sankranti Day (mid-January) and concludes the season. Here, the Makarajyothi (a sacred lamp) is lit at Ponnambalamedu, which is a nearby hill. You can witness this auspicious event from Pulmedu, Marakootam, Sharamkuthi, Neelimala, Chalakkayam, Paandithavalam, Attathodu, and Sannidhanam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>The Thiruvabharanam Procession – The End of Sabarimala Pilgrimage<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\nA sacred and ancient ritual of the Sabarimala pilgrimage, the Thiruvabharanam procession is another mesmerising event associated with Makaravilakku, which marks the end of the two-month pilgrimage. Here, the divine ornaments of Lord Ayyappa are transported from the Valiyakoikkal Temple, believed to be the ancestral home of the Pandalam royal family, to those entrusted to Lord Ayyappa as a child, and then to the Sabarimala Sannidhanam (main temple) for the Makaravilakku festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nSchedule<\/em><\/strong>: The Thiruvabharanam processions begin 3 days before Makaravilakku, which falls on Makara Sankranti (usually on Jan 14th). <\/li>\n\n\n\nRoute<\/em><\/strong>: Covering over 40 to 45 km over hilly and forested terrain, the journey begins at the Valiyakoikkal Temple and proceeds through Kozhencherry, Plappally, Kallida and Nilackal (Chalakkayam), before finally reaching Pamba, the final place to take a bath and reach the steep mountain of Sabarimala Temple.<\/li>\n\n\n\nSignificance of the Thiruvabharanam Ritual<\/em><\/strong>: When the Thiruvabharanam (sacred jewellery of Lord Ayyappan) reaches the temple, the Makarajyothi (the celestial light on the Ponnambalamedu Hill) is seen on Makar Sankranti at the exact moment when the ornaments are placed on the idol. The devotees line up to witness this celestial procession, chanting \u2018Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa\u2019 with traditional percussion music (including Chenda) playing in the background. While it is considered a great punya (merit) to witness this procession, many actively participate in accompanying the Thiruvabharanam. While this happens, you can witness the holiness with the ringing temple bells and conches as the Makarajyothi is seen. <\/li>\n\n\n\nThiruvabharanam Ornaments<\/em><\/strong>: Crafted with detail, the sacred ornaments (including the crown, necklaces, ear ornaments and waistbands) are carried with high security. These are carried in three decorated caskets over the heads of three designated bearers from the Pandalam royal family. Thousands of pilgrims escort this procession, along with the forest department present. <\/li>\n\n\n\nReturn Journey<\/em><\/strong>: The Makaravilakku rituals end when the ornaments are returned to Pandalam, usually two days later, marking the end of the pilgrimage cycle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n Makaravilakku Festival<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>How to Plan a Comfortable Sabarimala Trip with Chiku Cab?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nPilgrims visiting Sabarimala in groups can book outstation cabs directly from Kochi, Trivandrum, Coimbatore, Bangalore or Chennai. Chiku Cab offers a range of affordable and luxury sedans, SUVs and Tempo Travellers with experienced drivers familiar with Nilakkal and Pamba regulations. Services include doorstep pickup, luggage assistance, safe hill driving and flexible return-trip planning. This ensures a comfortable and stress-free pilgrimage experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All you need to do is download the Chiku Cab app and dial 844-844-5504 for instant bookings and support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Sabarimala Pilgrimage Official Dates 2025 and 2026<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHere is a detailed guide on the Sabarimala Pilgrimage with dates, darshan timings, and must-know facts for your convenience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Sabarimala Mandala Puja Dates 2025<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nMandala Season Temple Opening Date<\/em><\/strong>: November 16, 2025 – 05.00 PM<\/li>\n\n\n\nMandala Pooja Officially Confirmed Date<\/em><\/strong>: December 27, 2025<\/li>\n\n\n\nMandala Season Temple Closing Date<\/em><\/strong>: December 27, 2025 – 10.00 PM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Sabarimala Makaravilakku Festival 2026 (2025-26)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nMakaravilakku Season<\/em><\/strong>: Expected from 30th December 2025 to 20th January 2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\nMakaravilakku Day 2026<\/em><\/strong>: 14th January, 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nMake sure to check the official Travancore Devaswom Board website for final date confirmations before planning your trip. Enjoy a comfortable trip from the nearby airports like Kochi Airport with Chiku Cab\u2019s senior citizens\u2019 friendly taxis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Sabarimala Temple Daily Darshan Official Timings 2025-26<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs per the official notification issued by the TDB, the following darshan timings are provided for your successful pilgrimage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>For Morning:<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nTemple Opening Time \u2013 3:00 AM<\/li>\n\n\n\n Ganapathi Homam \u2013 3:20 AM<\/li>\n\n\n\n Usha Pooja \u2013 7:30 AM<\/li>\n\n\n\n Neyyabhishekam \u2013 3:30 AM to 7:00 AM, and 8:00 AM to 11:10 AM<\/li>\n\n\n\n Ashtabhishekam (15 nos) \u2013 11:00 AM \u201311:30 AM<\/li>\n\n\n\n Ucha Pooja \u2013 12:30 PM<\/li>\n\n\n\n Temple Sanctum Closing Time \u2013 1:00 PM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/span>For Evening:<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nTemple Sanctum Opening \u2013 3:00 PM<\/li>\n\n\n\n Deeparadhana \u2013 6:30 PM<\/li>\n\n\n\n Pushpabhishekam \u2013 7:00 to 9:30 PM<\/li>\n\n\n\n Athazha Pooja \u2013 9:30 PM onwards<\/li>\n\n\n\n Harivarasanam \u2013 10:50 PM<\/li>\n\n\n\n Temple Closing \u2013 after Harivarasanam – 11.00 PM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nPlease note that the temple shall remain open daily for 18 hours during the peak season. However, the timings may vary during the Mandalam and Makaravilakku seasons due to crowd surges and special rituals.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSabarimala temple opening date 2026<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>
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