Sabarimala Shrine Opens For Chingam Rituals, Onam Pujas Ahead

The Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple opened its doors to devotees early Monday as Kerala began the Chingam month and celebrated the Malayalam New Year. Hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the shrine from the early hours, with many devotees arriving on Sunday evening ahead of the opening. The temple opened for darshan at 5 am after remaining closed following the evening pujas on Sunday and will continue to receive devotees during the Chingam month rituals.

The shrine will remain open until 10 pm on August 21 for the Chingam month ceremonies before closing temporarily. It will reopen on August 24 for rituals associated with the Onam festival. Thiruvonam, the main day of Onam, will be celebrated on August 26 this year. The opening of the shrine for the Malayalam New Year has resulted in a significant pilgrim turnout, with arrangements being made to manage the expected rush during the festival period.

On Sunday, the final day of the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, melsanthi Prasad ED conducted the evening pujas at the shrine in the presence of tantri Kandararu Brahmadathan. The sacred fire was subsequently lit in the aazhi, the holy fire pit situated below the Pathinettam Padi, or the 18 sacred steps. These rituals marked the transition into the new Malayalam calendar month and the beginning of the latest pilgrimage period at the hill shrine.

Also Read: CM Adhikari Seeks Probe into TMC Veteran's Sudden Death

A selection process for the Sabarimala ulkazhakam, who assists the melsanthi with pujas and other temple rituals, is also scheduled to take place on Monday after the usha puja. With large numbers of devotees expected during the Chingam opening, pilgrims planning to visit the shrine have been advised to reserve their darshan slots through the virtual queue system. The booking system is intended to help regulate the flow of devotees and manage the crowds at the temple.

Transport arrangements have also been strengthened to support pilgrims travelling to Sabarimala during the festival period. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has announced additional services between August 16 and August 28 to facilitate travel for devotees. The additional services are expected to support the increased demand associated with the Chingam opening as well as the subsequent Onam-related ceremonies at the shrine.

The Sabarimala temple will therefore operate through two important religious periods in quick succession, first for the Chingam month and Malayalam New Year and later for the Onam pujas. Devotees are expected to plan their visits according to the temple opening schedule and use the virtual queue system for darshan. The shrine will close on August 21 after the Chingam rituals and reopen three days later, on August 24, for the Onam ceremonies.

Also Read: Shehzad Poonawalla Presses BJP to Accept Resignation In Second Letter