Like Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, devotees also throng THIS shrine in South India, know reason, significance, rituals

Over 1.38 crore devotees have taken a holy dip in the Sangam on Tuesday during the first 'Amrit Snan' of Mahakumbh Mela 2025. However, this is not the only place where pilgrimage have gathered to take holy dip, a significant number of devotees visited the Sabarimala Temple to offer their prayers to Lord Ayyappa during the auspicious ‘makaravilakku’ darshan.

What is Makaravilakku festival?

The Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala Temple is among the most important religious festivals in Kerala. Scheduled for January 14, 2025, it coincides with Makara Sankranti and signifies the end of the pilgrimage season. Large numbers of devotees gather to witness the Makara Jyothi (divine light) on the Ponnambalamedu hill.

This festival serves not only as a sacred occasion for worship but also as a time for spiritual awakening, as devotees undergo a series of rigorous rituals and austerities in preparation for the day.

#WATCH | Kerala: Devotees throng Sabarimala Temple in large numbers to offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa on the occasion of Makaravilakku festival. pic.twitter.com/2Sf9DNJCPk

— ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2025

Authorities anticipated that approximately 1.5 lakh devotees would gather at sannidhanam on January 14, confirming that all necessary preparations for the festival at the hill shrine have been finalised.

Significance of Makaravilakku

The festival is deeply connected to Indian astrology and legend. The term Makara Vilakku refers to the sacred light that appears on the hilltop of Ponnambalamedu, symbolizing the divine presence of Lord Ayyappa. The sighting of the Makara Jyothi signifies the sun's transition from Sagittarius to Capricorn.

Devotees from all over India take part in this festival and adhere to strict rituals. They observe a 41-day fast, wear a Rudraksha necklace, and abstain from indulgences such as alcohol and smoking. Pilgrims also carry a special bundle known as Irumudi, which contains offerings to Lord Ayyappa.

Rituals to follow 

The sacred Makaravilakku festival not only signifies the divine presence of Lord Ayyappa but also emphasises its profound cultural and spiritual significance for devotees. The grand sight of the Makara Jyothi represents the pinnacle of the festival, drawing thousands of pilgrims and creating a powerful spiritual experience.

As the Makaravilakku festival comes to an end, devotees often feel a sense of spiritual transformation after completing the 41-day period of austerity, which includes fasting, celibacy, and strict discipline. The sighting of the Makara Jyothi serves as a divine moment and symbolizes the blessings they receive for their devotion. For many, the pilgrimage concludes with the Kuruthi Puja, marking the end of the Makaravilakku celebrations.

Travel guidelines 

Special passes and travel guidelines have been established for the festival. Only people with virtual queue bookings or spot bookings will be permitted to travel from Nilakkal to Pampa.

Vehicles will be allowed to make the journey from Nilakkal to Pampa until 10 am, and from Pampa to Sannidhanam until 12 pm. Entry to Sannidhanam will be granted only after the Thiruvabharanam procession reaches Saramkuthi at 5:30 pm.

Pilgrims wishing to travel from Sabarimala to Pullumedu can do so between 9 am and 2 pm.