Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, popularly known as Sabarimala Temple, celebrates the Karkidakam Monthly Pujas every year during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam. This year, the Sabarimala Karkidakam Monthly Pujas 2026 began on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Thousands of Lord Ayyappa devotees visited the hill shrine on the opening day. Pilgrims arrived from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and other neighboring states.

Opening Ceremony

The sanctum sanctorum (Sreekovil) was opened at 5:00 PM.

• The temple was opened by Melsanthi (Head Priest) E.D. Prasad in the presence of Thantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanar. 
• The ceremonial lamp was lit after the shrine was opened. 
• The sacred fire was also lit in the Aazhi below the Pathinettampadi (18 Holy Steps).
• As per tradition, no special pujas or rituals were performed on the opening evening.

Regular Rituals Begin on July 17

Friday, July 17, marks the first day of Karkidakam in the Malayalam calendar. From 5:00 AM onward, the temple began its daily schedule of rituals, including: 

• Nirmalyam
• Abhishekam
• Ganapathi Homam
• Usha Pooja
• Ucha Pooja
• Deeparadhana
• Athazha Pooja
• Harivarasanam before temple closure

The daily rituals will continue until July 21, when the Sabarimala Karkidakam Monthly Pujas 2026 conclude. 

Padipooja During Karkidakam

One of the major highlights of the Karkidakam observances is the Padipooja, performed on the sacred Pathinettampadi (18 Holy Steps) every evening after Sandhya Deeparadhana. The special ritual is conducted throughout the five-day monthly pooja period and attracts large numbers of devotees. 

Heavy Rush of Pilgrims

Authorities reported a massive rush of devotees at Sabarimala on the opening day. Thousands of Lord Ayyappa devotees reached Sannidhanam, while many pilgrims arrived from neighboring states. Heavy footfall is expected throughout the five-day pooja period, as Karkidakam is considered one of the most spiritually significant months for Lord Ayyappa devotees. 

Sabarimala Darshan and Temple Timings

During the monthly poojas, the temple follows the regular Sabarimala darshan timings:

• Morning: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Evening: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Devotees can have darshan during these hours, subject to temple procedures and crowd management guidelines.

Virtual Queue Booking

Pilgrims planning to visit during the Sabarimala Karkidakam Monthly Pujas 2026 are advised to reserve their darshan slots through the official Virtual Queue system, as large crowds are expected throughout the Karkidakam month. 

Also Read: Did You Know Which Indian Temples Hold Billions In Gold And Treasures Hidden For Centuries?

Sabarimala Temple Closing Date

After completing the monthly rituals, the temple will close at 10:00 PM on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, following the customary Harivarasanam. 

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