Sabarimala Temple Guide: History, Facts, Puja Dates, Darshan, How to reach

The Sabarimala Temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa The Sabarimala Temple is not just one of the most renowned tourist spots for religious pilgrims in India but also one of the most frequented temples in India. It is the second-largest temple located within the 18 hills of the Western Ghat ranges of Pathanamthitta District. This temple was dedicated to Lord Ayyappa who is believed to be the result of a union between Lord Shiva as well as Lord Vishnu’s feminine avatar Mohini. He is also called Hariharputra. It is among the most sought-after pilgrimage spots that you can visit during your trip to South India.

It is a place of historical significance. this temple is bound to surprise you with its less-known facts. For instance, are you aware that the Dakshina that is served to the temple’s priests is worth millions of rupees? And the quality of the prasad is checked by the Central Food of Technical Research Institute. There are many other interesting details that are mentioned in the blog that follows. Discover some of the most important details regarding Sabarimala Temple that you may not have known.

What is it that makes Sabarimala temple famous?

Sabarimala Temple is one of the most sought-after pilgrimage locations that is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. It is among the 5 Shasta temples that were founded by Lord Parasuram who is the avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is the second biggest religious site in the world following that of the Pilgrimage of Mecca located in Saudi Arabia.

About the Lord Ayyappa

Lord Ayyappa was the child of Vishnu and Shiva Lord Ayyappa is considered to be a well-known Hindu deity that is mostly worshipped throughout South India. The name is also used to refer to him as Ayyappa. The belief is that Ayyappa was born of the union of the god Lord Shiva as well as the legendary Mohini and is considered to be an image of the god Lord Vishnu. So, Ayyappa is also called ‘ Hariharan Puthiran’ which refers to the son of Hari (Hari or Vishnu and Haran or Shiva.)

Sabarimala Temple History

Sabarimala is believed to have been the seat of the Pandalam royal dynasty, which had broken away from the Pandya dynasty and settled in present-day Pathanamthitta. There were no children born to the King and Queen of Pandalam. When the King went hunting one day, he came across a crying baby by a river in a forest. Upon inquiring, a sage recommended that the king take the baby home and bring him up as his own son, and the King did so. The child grew up to be the prince of Pandalam and was named Manikandan.

The Significance of Sabarimala Temple

It is regarded to be one of the most significant religious festivals in the world with millions praying at the temple mostly from the five southern Indian states. Most devotees visit the temple on the bustling Mandalam and Makaravilakku celebrations, following the rigorous 41-day vratham which is a vow to abstain.

For the duration of this 41-day timeframe, devotees must wear only deep blue or black clothing, address each other as ‘swami’, conduct regular pujas, refrain from alcohol, non-vegetarian foods, and sexual activity, and do not wear shoes. It isn’t obligatory for everyone to observe the ‘vratham’ ritual to pray at the temple. In 1991, in response to a High Court verdict, women with procreative ages between 10 – 50 years old were prohibited from attempting to visit the temple.

Amazing facts regarding the Sabarimala Temple:

• Celibacy, as practiced by the devotees, has been in practice for 1500 years.
• Devotees are governed by a color code
• The temple is located in the place where Lord Ayyappa defeated the demoness Mahishi
• The temple is tucked away among 18 hills. It also includes 18 steps.
• A mosque is located located in the vicinity of the temple.
• The temple’s name comes by reference to the epic Ramayana
• Devotees are required to observe an exact fasting practice prior to entering the temple
• The devotees must adhere to certain rules when they go on Sabarimala Temple tour
• Pilgrims perform the ceremony known as Neyyabhishekam
• Sabarimala Priests receive more than a crore of Rupees Dakshina
• The Prasadam served is also the local delicacy from the local area.
• The famous Hindu temple in India is considered to be the biggest religious site in the world.
• The temple is open during only a few days of Makara Jyothi.

Sabarimala Temple Puja Calendar 2026 – Opening & Closing Dates

Unlike most Hindu temples in India, Sabarimala remains closed for much of the year. The temple opens:

• For the first five days of every Malayalam month (Monthly Pooja)
• During the grand Mandala–Makaravilakku season (mid-November to mid-January)
• On major festival days like Vishu, Onam, and Pankuni Uthram

Below is the updated Sabarimala Temple Puja Calendar for 2026 (tentative dates based on traditional schedule patterns followed by the Travancore Devaswom Board. Devotees are advised to confirm exact timings on the official website before travel).

Sabarimala Temple Opening & Closing Dates – 2026

Important Notes for 2026 Devotees

• Temple usually opens at 5:00 PM on the first day and closes at 10:00 PM on the fifth day for monthly poojas.
• During Mandala–Makaravilakku season, the temple remains open continuously with heavy pilgrim flow.
• Virtual Q booking is mandatory for most darshan slots during peak seasons.
• Carry valid ID proof and follow all temple guidelines.

What is the location where Sabarimala temple is located?

Sabarimala Temple is located in the 18 hills of the Western Ghat ranges of the Pathanamthitta District. The temple to Lord Ayyappa is situated on a hill, which is 3000m above sea level in Sabarimala in the Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. You must climb upwards from Pamba at the foot of the hill to get to the temple.

The temple is managed through the Travancore Devaswom Board, an autonomous body that is part of the state government. It oversees a variety of other Hindu shrines across the state too. Thazhamon Madom is the temple’s principal priest. Thazhamon Madom is recognized as the primary family of priests that look after the temple.

How to reach the Sabarimala temple?

By Air: By Air, Cochin International Airport is the closest airport for getting to Sabarimala Temple. It is located 160km from the temple.

By Train – Kottayam Railway station is the closest railhead for getting to Sabarimala Temple located just 90 km away.

By Road- You’ll receive bus services from Kerala State Transport buses from the main cities and towns in Kerala to Sabarimala.

What is the procedure of Sabarimala Online Booking 2026?

We all know that many people want to go to Sabarimala Mandir and have to reserve the Online Darshan Ticket to get an entry without any hassle. The devotees are extremely devoted towards Lord Ayyapa and there are some who aren’t able to attend darshan due to the large crowd. So in order to avoid this problem for devotees from far-fetch places, Sabarimala mandir trust came up with an online darshan ticket which you can book at sabarimalaonline.org.

Imprtant Information Sabarimala Mandir Darshan

In the table above, you will see that we’ve made information accessible like sabarimalaonline.org Darshan ticket Booking 2026. Additionally, you can access find the Sabarimala Mandir pooja timings and book your pooja slot on the internet.

Sabarimala Temple Virtual Darshan Ticket & Pooja Booking – 2026 Update

The sacred Sabarimala Temple welcomes millions of devotees each year to seek the blessings of Lord Ayyappa. For 2026, the temple continues its Virtual Q (online darshan) booking system, allowing pilgrims to reserve their darshan slots and pooja services in advance.

Sabarimala Virtual Q Darshan Ticket Booking 2026

Devotees must book their darshan tickets only through the official website: https://sabarimalaonline.org

Steps for Online Booking (2026)

1. Visit the official Travancore Devaswom Board portal.
2. Log in using your registered mobile number and password.
3. New users must complete registration using a valid mobile number and email ID (OTP verification required).
4. Select Virtual Q Booking (Darshan).
5. Choose your preferred date and available time slot.
6. Add devotee details (Name, Age, ID proof details).
7. Confirm booking and complete payment if applicable.
8. Download or print the confirmed Virtual Q ticket.
9. Carry a valid photo ID when visiting the temple.

✅ A maximum of 5 devotees can be added under one user ID per booking (subject to availability).

During peak seasons such as Mandala–Makaravilakku (Nov–Jan), booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Sabarimala Temple Pooja Booking 2026:

Apart from darshan, devotees can also book selected poojas online through the same official portal. Availability may vary depending on temple schedule and festival season.

Below are the regular daily pooja timings followed during open days (timings may slightly vary during festivals and peak pilgrimage season).

Daily Morning Pooja Timings – 2026

Daily Evening Pooja Timings – 2026

Important Guidelines for 2026

• Virtual Q booking is mandatory during high-demand seasons.
• Pooja bookings are subject to availability and temple schedule.
• Devotees must follow traditional dress code and pilgrimage guidelines.
• Always confirm updated timings and festival-specific changes on the official website before planning your visit.

How to Book Sabarimala Temple Darshan Ticket Online in 2026?

Devotees planning a visit to the sacred Sabarimala Temple can now complete the Virtual Q booking process online in advance to avoid long queues. Follow these updated steps for 2026:

1. Visit the official Travancore Devaswom Board website:
   https://sabarimalaonline.org
2. Click on the Login / Sign Up option.
3. Register using your mobile number and email ID. You will receive an OTP for verification.
4. After logging in, select Virtual Q Booking (Darshan Booking).
5. Choose your preferred date and available time slot for darshan.
6. Add devotee details (name, age, ID proof details, etc.).
7. Confirm the booking and proceed with online payment if applicable.
8. Once the booking is successful, download and print the Virtual Q ticket. You can also keep a digital copy on your phone.
9. Carry a valid photo ID along with your ticket when visiting the temple.

After reaching Sabarimala, follow the designated queue system and complete your darshan of Lord Ayyappa peacefully.

FAQs About Sabarimala Temple Darshan 2026

1. How many devotees can be added in one Virtual Q booking?

You can add up to 5 devotees under one user ID for a single booking, subject to availability.

2. Where can I book Sabarimala Virtual Q Darshan tickets for 2026?

Darshan tickets can be booked only through the official website: https://sabarimalaonline.org

Avoid third-party or unofficial websites.

3. What is the contact number for Sabarimala Temple assistance?

For devotee support and inquiries, you can contact: 📞 +91 70258 00100