Mandala Pooja 2025

Introduction:

Mandala Pooja is an important ritual of Sabarimala temple in Kerala. The temple of Sabarimala is the abode of Ayyappa, which is situated among the dense forests of Pathanamthitta District. One mandala is 41 days, and the Mandala Pooja signifies the end of one Mandala. It is observed from the first day of Vrishchikam month till the eleventh or twelfth day of the month of Dhanu according to the Malayalam almanac, which coincides with the months of November-December, according to the Gregorian calendar.

It is important to note that “Mandala Pooja”, and “Makara Vilakku”, are the two important festivals of Sabarimala. During the period of Mandala, the devotees would perform severe austerities, and Pooja, and live a life which is pure, and refrain from negative things. They also lead a simple life and follow chaste practices. Many people from south India, especially Tamilnadu and Karnataka, would take part in this pilgrimage.

Significance of Mandala Pooja:

There are several references to Mandala Pooja in the Hindu pantheon, where it has been followed from time immemorial. The power of a Mandala Pooja is that it can rewrite the destiny and protect the devotees like an amulet. Mandala Pooja can be done only once in a person’s lifetime and grants blessings to the devotee. It is important that the devotee should show utmost devotion, and surrender to Lord Ayyappa. The Mandala Pooja has to be undertaken with a clean state of mind, and both mind and body should be pure. It can be followed by men of all ages and non-menstruating women, between ten to fifty years of age.

Rituals of Mandala Pooja:

Vrat or fasting is an important part of the Mandala Pooja, with severe austerities on all the 41 days. Only vegetarian Satvik food, which has less spices, and sans onion or garlic, is allowed. It is mandatory to wear a “Tulasi Mala”, which should be initiated by the head Guru. It is mandatory to wear Ayyappa’s locket all these 41 days. They have to wear Navy blue or black color dress, sleep on the floor, walk barefoot, and lead a simple life. They should also refrain from alcohol and smoking. Strict celibacy should be followed.

One has to visit many temples on the way before reaching the temple of Sabarimala. River Pamba is one of the sacred rivers of India, and many people consider it auspicious to take a dip in this river. It is believed that the sins of the pilgrims are washed away, which elevates them to a different level of spirituality.

Benefits of Mandala Pooja:

The entire pilgrimage is an intense experience for the devotees who successfully complete their worship. One has to cross through the dense forest, and all challenges it poses, to finally receive the blessing of the deity who sits on top of the mountain and guards all his devotees, who believe in him unconditionally. It is believed that the transcendent force of Ayyappa always protects his devotees, and guards them like an amulet.