Mandala Masam or Mandala Kalam begins on November 16, 2012 -
the 41 day Mandalam Season begins. The Shrine is open on all days.
Mandala Pooja is on December 26, 2012.
The shrine then closes for a brief period and reopens for
Makaravilakku festival.
Makaravilakku is on January 14, 2013. The famous
Makarajyothi sighting also will take place on this day.
A pilgrim visiting the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple during the
Mandalapooja period should observe certain austerities for 41 days. The pilgrim
should abstain from non- vegetarian habits, should not indulge in sex and
should wear the special Rudraksha mala. Some people don’t shave or cut their
hair during the period. Some ardent devotees only wear black or saffron dress
and avoid wearing foot wears.
Pilgrims set out in groups and each carry the Irumudikkettu,
a cloth bundle containing traditional offerings to the temple which includes
coconut, ghee, malar, rice etc.
People of all religions can visit the Sabarimala temple and
there is no restriction of caste or creed. But there are certain restrictions
on women. Only those women who have either passed their fertility age and those
before reaching the stage of puberty are allowed in the shrine.
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