Sannidhanam and the 18 holy steps
The temple is entered by the 18 steps, which only pilgrims with the irumudi kettu, the two-part bundle, may climb. The deity is Ayyappa in a meditative pose.
Local tip: Follow the Devaswom's queue rules.
Sabarimala is a hill temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The main pilgrim season is from mid-November to mid-January, when devotees observe a 41-day vratham.
At a glance
| Place | Sabarimala, Kerala |
|---|---|
| Known as | Ayyappa temple |
| Best time | November to January for the main season. The temple also opens for a few days each Malayalam month. |
| Time needed | 2 days |
| Nearest railway | Chengannur or Kottayam |
| Nearest airport | Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram |
Panchang at Sabarimala today
- Date13 November 2026
- TithiShukla Chaturthi
- NakshatraMula
- Sunrise / Sunset06:15 AM / 05:57 PM
- Rahu Kaal10:38 AM – 12:06 PM
- Abhijit Muhurat11:42 AM – 12:29 PM
Sabarimala yatra: what to know before you plan
Sabarimala in Kerala is the hill temple of Lord Ayyappa, set in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The yatra is known for its strict vow, the 41 days of vratham, the black dress and the climb up the 18 sacred steps, the Pathinettam Padi. The main season is from mid-November to mid-January.
The temple opens only on set dates. Registration for the virtual queue is required in season, so plan with the Travancore Devaswom Board's official information.
Route and layout at a glance
The usual route is from Pamba, where pilgrims bathe, to Sannidhanam by a trek of about 4 to 5 km. Roads lead to Pamba from Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Kochi.
Plan your Sabarimala trip by days
How many days do you have? Pick one and the plan changes.
2 days: from Pamba
A short trek.
Day 1
- Daily. Pamba, trek and darshan.
Day 2
- Daily. Return and rest.
3 days: from Kochi
A standard plan.
Day 1
- Daily. Kochi to Pamba.
Day 2
- Daily. Trek and darshan.
Day 3
- Daily. Return.
5 days: Kerala temples
A longer trip.
Daily
- Daily. Sabarimala, Kottayam and Guruvayur.
1 week: Ayyappa yatra
For the full vow.
Daily
- Daily. Follow the rules set by your guruswami and the Devaswom.
41-day vratham
The traditional vow before the pilgrimage.
Daily
- Daily. Follow the rules of the vratham: simple food, no alcohol, a daily prayer and the black dress.
Darshan guide: what to see and why
Pamba
The river base camp where pilgrims bathe and begin the trek.
Local tip: Rest here and keep your documents safe.
Erumeli
The town where pilgrims perform the petta thullal dance before starting the traditional forest route.
Local tip: Visit if you take the forest route.
Malikappuram Temple
A shrine to the goddess Malikappurathamma near the main temple.
Local tip: It is part of the same darshan.
Best time to go, season by season
| Mid-November to mid-January | The Mandala-Makaravilakku season. Very crowded. |
|---|---|
| Monthly openings | The temple opens for a few days each Malayalam month. |
| Monsoon | Slippery trails. |
| Summer | Hot. |
How to reach and get around
- By rail: Chengannur or Kottayam, about 100 km.
- By air: Kochi, about 160 km.
- By road: To Pamba from Pathanamthitta.
Where to stay
The Devaswom runs rooms at Sannidhanam and Pamba. Book in advance.
What to eat
Simple vegetarian food. Annadanam is served at the temple.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Going without virtual queue registration.
- Ignoring the dress and vow rules.
Etiquette
- Follow the Devaswom and police instructions.
Day trips from Sabarimala
- Pamba: Starting point.
- Erumeli: Traditional starting point.
- Periyar: Wildlife reserve.
Festivals and special days
- Mandala Pooja
- Makaravilakku (Makar Sankranti)
- Vishu
Check the dates for this year on our festival calendar, and choose a shubh time using the muhurat pages.
Darshan timings, booking rules and road conditions change, so confirm them with the temple trust or local authority before you travel.
Questions people ask
Is registration required for Sabarimala?
In season, yes. Use the official virtual queue system.
What is the 41-day vratham?
A period of strict discipline before the pilgrimage.
When does the temple open?
Mid-November to mid-January and a few days each month. Check the Devaswom Board.
What is the best time to visit Sabarimala?
November to January for the main season. The temple also opens for a few days each Malayalam month.
How many days are needed for Sabarimala?
Plan 2 days.
How do I reach Sabarimala?
The nearest railway station is Chengannur or Kottayam. The nearest airport is Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram. Check current road and train timings before you travel.
What are the main festivals at Sabarimala?
Mandala Pooja; Makaravilakku (Makar Sankranti); Vishu.
What is today's tithi and Rahu Kaal at Sabarimala?
On 13 November 2026, the tithi is Shukla Chaturthi and Rahu Kaal is 10:38 AM to 12:06 PM, worked out for Sabarimala's own sunrise.
Photo credits
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