Mandala Pooja 2025-2026 | Sabarimala Mandala Pooja dates

Sabarimala Mandala Pooja is a 41-day mandala deeksha which begins on first day of Vrischikam masam and ends on eleventh day of Dhanu masam in Malayalam calendar of Kerala.

In 2025-2026, Mandala Pooja dates are – Sabarimala Ayyappa Mandala pooja begins on 16 November and ends on 27 December 2025.

In 2025, Mandala season Puja starts on 30th day of Thulam Masam and ends on 12^th day of Dhanu masam.

For Mandala Puja 2025 Sabarimala Ayyappa temple opens at 5 pm on 16 November and closes at 10 pm on 27 December.

Temple reopens on 30 December 2025 for Makara Vilakku festival. Makaravilakku 2026 date is 14 January.

Mandala Pooja is a major ritual at Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala, marking the culmination of a 41-day period of devotion and austerity, known as Mandala Kalam, observed by Ayyappa devotees. This period traditionally begins on the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam and ends on the eleventh or twelfth day of Dhanu, concluding with Mandala Pooja—a highlight of the annual pilgrimage.​

Spiritual Significance

• Mandala Pooja symbolizes discipline, spiritual cleansing, self-transformation, and devotion to Lord Ayyappa.​

• It is believed that performing Mandala Pooja with full faith can bestow divine blessings, fulfill wishes, and bring spiritual elevation.​

• Many Puranas mention Mandala Pooja as a turning point for personal destiny and as a means for devotees to purify the soul.​

Observances and Rituals

• Devotees begin by wearing a special mala (Rudraksha or Tulsi) and undertake strict vows of celibacy, vegetarian diet, daily prayer, humility, and simplicity for 41 days.​

• Daily puja, mantra chanting (especially the Ayyappa Gayatri and Harivarasanam), temple visits, and offerings are performed.​

• On Mandala Pooja day, elaborate rituals including Abhishekam (sacred bath), Neyyabhishekam (ghee offering), and special pujas are conducted at Sabarimala and related temples.​

• The period culminates with the ending of the vrata, often accompanied by a community feast and the removal of the mala.​

Ritual Sequence

41-Day Vratham: Fasting, celibacy, prayer, wearing Ayyappa mala​

Daily Puja/Chanting: Morning/evening prayers, mantra recitation​

Temple Visit: Pilgrimage to Sabarimala or local Ayyappa temples​

Mandala Pooja: Culmination rituals including sacred bath, offerings​

Neyyabhishekam: Ghee offering to Lord Ayyappa​

Mala Removal: Ends the vrata after Mandala Pooja

Mandala Pooja, thus, is both a spiritual discipline and a deeply communal event, steeped in Kerala’s traditions and the broader Ayyappa bhakti movement throughout South India.