Makaravilakku 2025

Introduction:

Makaravilakku is an annual festival, celebrated in the shrine of Sabarimala. This is celebrated on the day of Makara Sankranti. Makaram is a star, and the word 'Vilakku' represents a lamp, and one can witness a great light on this day. This event is called Makaravilakku. This festival includes the grand procession of Thiruvabharanam, the sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa. The procession starts from Pandalam Palace, and a Brahminy kite or Krishna parunthu is also seen flying above the procession, as if keeping an eye on the sacred jewels. It is important to note that Makarajyothi is the Sirius Star, and hence is a natural phenomenon. Makaravilakku is the light that is lit by his devotees. Many people from all parts of the world would participate in this divine festival, and get enlightened.

Legend of Makaravilakku:

Sri Rama belongs to the clan of Ikshvaku; he was the first son of King Dasaratha. Along with Rama, Dasaratha also had three other sons. Once Lakshmana, brother of Rama, met a woman called Sabari. She was an ardent tribal devotee of Rama. She offered some fruits to him after tasting them to check for sweetness. Rama accepted joyfully and whole-heartedly. Lord Rama then saw a very radiant person, who was praying, and he inquired about him to Sabari. She replied that it was “Sasta” or Ayyappa. On seeing Rama, Ayyappa greeted him and welcomed him. From then onwards, the sacred festival is celebrated as Makara Vilakku day.

Significance of Makaravilakku:

The sacred lamp was once the tradition of the tribal people, living in the dense forest. They conducted the rituals with much fanfare. This was later continued by the Devaswom Board of Kerala. It is performed in a temple at a place called “Ponnambalamedu”, where the public is not allowed. It is believed that the great Mystic or “Sasta” is omnipresent, and listens to the voice of the unheard and the underprivileged. It is believed that one who witnesses the Makaravilakku will see his life transformed for the better.

Benefits of participating in Makaravilakku:

Devotees of Ayyappa are found across the globe, and the temple of Sabarimala in Kerala is the most important shrine for the deity. It takes a lot of devotion to make the pilgrimage to this temple as it involves severe austerities. Many people have also witnessed miracles in their life after going to Sabarimala. They pray and avoid many unholy and impure things for a Mandala, which is forty-one days. It helps the body, mind, and soul to concentrate and focus on one thing to attain spiritual focus.