In Kerala, the Mandala Pooja, the most important ritual of the Mandala season, was performed at the hill shrine of Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple today. With controlled pilgrim numbers, devotees were able to have darshan of Lord Ayyappa adorned in Thanga Anki, the golden attire.
The 41-day Mandala pilgrimage season at Sabari Mala will conclude with the closing of the temple doors at 11 pm tonight. The shrine will reopen at 5 pm on 30 December for the Makara Vilakku season. Key rituals include Erumeli Pettathullal on January 11, the Thiruvabharana procession from Pandalam on January 12, and Makara Vilakku celebrations on January 14.
Darshan during the Makara Vilakku season is also being regulated through the virtual queue system, along with limited spot bookings, as per official guidelines.
