Kerala (Commonwealth Union)_ The annual pilgrimage season at Kerala’s Sabarimala Temple has officially started. The temple, located at an elevation of 914 meters in the Western Ghats, is one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The principal pilgrimage period, known as Mandala Kalam or Mandala Masam, draws millions of devotees from across India and beyond. According to the traditional Malayalam calendar, the season begins on the first day of Vrishchikam and ends on the eleventh day of Dhanu, which corresponds to December and January on the Gregorian calendar. Mandala Kalam is a 41-day ceremony in which devotees engage in hard spiritual activities before making their way to the mountaintop temple.
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To prepare for the expected influx of pilgrims, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has expanded online services. From November 5, devotees were allowed to plan their poojas (ritual offerings) and accommodations at Sannidhanam using the official website, [www.onlinetdb.com](https://www.onlinetdb.com). On November 1, a virtual queue system for darshan was introduced, letting devotees reserve spots through [sabarimalaonline.org](https://www.sabarimalaonline.org). The TDB has limited online bookings to 70,000 per day, while on-site real-time booking centers at Vandiperiyar Sannidhanam Guest House, Erumeli, Nilakkal, and Pamba can accommodate up to 20,000 people each day.
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This year, insurance coverage for pilgrims has been significantly expanded. Previously, insurance for deaths from accidents was limited only to four districts, but now coverage extends across Kerala. Devotees involved in accidents anywhere in the state during the pilgrimage are eligible for insurance benefits up to ₹5 lakh. Transport costs for repatriating mortal remains are also included up to ₹30,000 within Kerala and ₹1 lakh for those outside the state. The insurance now also protects Devaswom Board employees and other government staff on duty at Sabarimala. Additionally, for the first time, families of devotees who die of natural causes, such as heart attacks or strokes, while on the Nilakkal-Sannidhanam route will receive financial aid. Under the new Pilgrim Welfare Fund, families are entitled to ₹3 lakh. The TDB has emphasized that the Virtual Queue Booking ID will serve as the main document for availing these benefits, encouraging pilgrims to use the online system.
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In the days preceding Mandala Kalam, devotees often undertake penance, called vrata. Many people fast and abstain from non-vegetarian foods, alcohol, sexual activity, and other delights over the entire 41-day period. Devotees typically wear a particular Rudraksha mala to demonstrate their self-discipline. During Mandala Kalam, pilgrims wear black dhotis and carry an Irumudi or Ketunira, which is a fabric bundle divided into two halves. One part holds a holy coconut, rice, and ghee, which will be donated to Lord Ayyappa upon arrival at Sannidhanam. Many devotees visit the Shri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur as part of their spiritual preparations.
Sabarimala Temple holds a unique place in Hindu tradition. According to legend, Lord Ayyappa meditated here after defeating the demon Mahishi. The temple admits members of all faiths and castes; however, women aged 10 to 50 are typically barred from attending during Mandala Kalam. After the 41-day season, the temple is closed for three days before reopening for darshan. The pilgrimage season concludes with the festival of Makaravilakku, which draws millions of devotees to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Ayyappa. Mandala Kalam is more than just a spiritual journey; it is also a tribute to millions of people’s devotion, discipline, and faith. With new online facilities, extended insurance coverage, and improved pilgrim support, this year’s season promises to be safer and more accessible to all who make the sacred journey to Sabarimala.
