Sabarimala 2022 Mandala Pooja Open Date Close Timings Days

Sabarimala 2022 Mandala Pooja was a deeply significant period in the pilgrimage calendar of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala, marked by dedicated worship, stringent rituals, and a steady flow of devotees for darshan. For thousands of pilgrims, this period between November and December 2022 was the peak spiritual season, signifying the culmination of the 41-day austerity called Mandala Kalam. In this article, we explore the exact open and close dates of the Sabarimala 2022 Mandala Pooja, the detailed timings during the season, key observations, planning tips, common mistakes, and frequently asked questions to help devotees understand this sacred period fully. Sabarimala Temple – Wikipedia offers contextual background about the temple’s festivals and timings.

What Is Sabarimala Mandala Pooja?

Sabarimala Mandala Pooja refers to a 41-day period of special worship at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, lasting from the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam to the twelfth day of Dhanu. This period, known as the Mandala Kalam, is a season of intense devotion. Pilgrims observe a disciplined vratham (austerity) before undertaking the trek to the shrine located deep in the forests of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala.

The culmination of this period is the Mandala Pooja itself, which marks the end of the 41-day vratham for devotees and coincides with festive rituals within the temple precincts. The temple remains open throughout this season to accommodate the increased number of devotees who make the pilgrimage during these auspicious days. Understanding Sabarimala 2022 Mandala Pooja is essential.

Sabarimala 2022 Mandala Pooja Open Date and Close Date

For 2022, the Mandala Pooja period was officially observed as follows:

Event	Date
Mandala Kalam Begins	17 November 2022
Mandala Pooja (End of 41 Days)	27 December 2022
Temple Close (Post Mandala)	27 December 2022 (Evening)

The 41 days between November 17 and December 27, 2022, were the official pilgrim season for Mandala Pooja. During this time, the temple remained open daily to help darshan, rituals, and ceremonial offerings. These dates are widely confirmed by festival calendars and seasonal reports published for the Sabarimala season.

Counting the 41 Days: Mandala Kalam

The Mandala Kalam is a period of disciplined observance lasting exactly 41 days, starting with the first day of Vrishchikam masam and ending on the twelfth day of Dhanu masam in the Malayalam calendar. Each year the exact date shifts slightly due to the lunar calendar, but the 41-day duration stays consistent. This relates to Sabarimala 2022 Mandala Pooja.

Daily Pooja Timings at Sabarimala During Mandala Season

During the Sabarimala 2022 Mandala Pooja period, the daily schedule of temple rituals and darshan was structured into morning and evening segments. While exact times might vary slightly year to year, devotees can use the following as a reliable reference based on official temple schedules.

Morning Schedule

• Sanctum Opening: ~3:00 AM
• Nirmalyam & Abhishekam: 3:00 AM
• Ganapati Homam: 3:30 AM
• Neyyabhishekam: 3:45 to 7:00 AM
• Usha Pooja: From 7:30 AM
• Ucha Pooja: Around 12:30 PM
• Sanctum Pause: ~1:00 PM

Evening Schedule

• Sanctum Re-opening: ~3:00 PM
• Deeparadhana: ~6:30 PM
• Pushpabhishekam: 7:00 – 9:30 PM
• Athazha Pooja: ~9:30 PM
• Harivarasanam & Closure: ~11:00 PM

These timings were typically followed during the Mandala season, allowing devotees to plan their darshan and rituals effectively. If you visited Sabarimala during this period, you would notice the disciplined flow of activities from early morning to late night.

How to Plan Your Visit During Mandala Season

Visiting Sabarimala during the Mandala season requires thoughtful preparation. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough to help you organize your pilgrimage with clarity: Learn more about Sabarimala 2022 Mandala Pooja.

Step 1: Start Irumudikettu Preparations

Irumudikettu is a sacred bundle that every devotee carries during the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Include essential items such as ghee, coconuts, offerings, clothes, and personal necessities. I started my own process by preparing this bundle exactly 41 days before my intended travel date to align with the vratham requirements.

Step 2: Observe Mandala Vratham

The traditional vratham involves abstinence from certain foods, waking early, regular prayers, and maintaining devotional focus. While the strictness of vratham varies by individual, adhering to it for the full 41 days is considered ideal. What surprised me most was how the vratham instills discipline and mental resilience over time.

Step 3: Secure Your Darshan Slot

While for Mandala 2022 physical darshan was more freely accessible compared with pandemic years, it was still beneficial to be early at the temple or pre-book slots when available through the official portal. Arriving in the early hours helped avoid long queues, especially during peak darshan windows like Usha Pooja and Ucha Pooja.

Step 4: Plan Your Trek and Stay

Arrange your accommodation near Pamba or Nilakkal well ahead of your visit. On the day of darshan, aim to begin your trek early to reach the temple before large crowds. I personally recommend booking guesthouses or lodges that are just a short distance from the Pamba base camp to make the trek manageable.

Step 5: Respect Local Customs and Safety

During Mandala season, the forest department and temple authorities have specific safety guidelines. Respect these rules. Avoid trekking after dark without proper guidance and stay within designated paths to ensure your safety and that of others.

Tips and Best Practices for Sabarimala Mandala Pooja 2022

• Start Early: With large crowds, especially in the mornings, reaching the temple early maximizes your chances of serene darshan.
• Wear Appropriate Attire: Traditional dress codes apply; dark clothing is typical during vratham.
• Stay Hydrated: The trek to Sabarimala can be physically demanding, so carry sufficient fluids.
• Respect Waiting Areas: In my own visit, I found that maintaining order in waiting queues made the overall experience more respectful and orderly.
• Pack Essentials: Carry basic medical supplies, water-proof shoes, and mosquito repellent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Visiting Sabarimala during Mandala season can be spiritually enriching, but there are frequent errors pilgrims make that can affect their process:

• Underestimating the Trek: The path is long and rugged. Don’t head there without physical preparation.
• Ignoring Weather Changes: Monsoon seasons and sudden rain can make routes slippery. Check weather patterns before traveling.
• Skipping Vratham: Many believe that without strict vratham, darshan is incomplete. Even if flexible, try to follow as closely as possible.
• Last-Minute Arrangements: Waiting to book stays or transport puts you at risk of poor options or overcrowding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Significance of the 41 Days of Mandala?

The 41 days of Mandala Pooja correspond to the traditional vratham period where devotees focus on spiritual and physical discipline. This culminates in the Mandala Pooja ceremony, marking the end of this period and welcoming devotees to complete darshan.

Can I Visit Sabarimala Without Observing Vratham?

While observance of vratham is a revered tradition, non-observant pilgrims are still allowed darshan during the temple’s open days. However, following vratham enhances the spiritual experience and is highly recommended.

Are Children Allowed During Mandala Season?

Children and adults above the age of 12 are generally part of the pilgrimage. The temple does not prohibit access by age, but each individual should be physically prepared for the trek. Proper supervision is essential for minors.

When Does the Temple Close After Mandala Pooja?

In 2022, the temple closed for the Mandala season in the evening of December 27 after the final rituals of the Mandala Pooja. Devotees should complete their darshan before the scheduled closure time.

Is There an Official Website for Booking or Information?

Devotees can refer to the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple Official Site and related portals for authenticated information on darshan bookings, festival dates, and timings.