Sabarimala Temple March Month Pooja 2026 – Utsavam, Special Poojas, and Mandala Vratham

Sabarimala Temple March Month Pooja 2026 – Utsavam, Special Poojas, and Mandala Vratham

Sabarimala Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers in India, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Every year, thousands of devotees visit Sabarimala during monthly poojas, utsavam days, and special rituals. The March month pooja and utsavam are important occasions in the Malayalam month of Meenam, attracting pilgrims from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and other states.

This article explains the March Month Pooja schedule, Utsavam dates, Kodiyettu, Ayyappa birthday, and Mandala Vratham details at Sabarimala Temple.

March Month Pooja – Meena Maasa Pooja Opening Date

The temple will open for the monthly pooja in the Malayalam month of Meenam on:

• March 14 – Evening 5:00 PM
  Temple opens for Meena Maasa Pooja.

During this period, special poojas, abhishekam, and regular darshan will be conducted. Devotees can visit the temple and participate in the monthly rituals.

• March 19 – Night 10:00 PM
  Temple will close after the monthly pooja.

Monthly pooja days are considered highly auspicious for devotees who cannot attend during Mandala season.

Sabarimala Utsavam – March 2026 Festival

The annual Sabarimala Utsavam will begin in March with Kodiyettu and festival rituals.

• March 22 – Evening 5:00 PM
  Temple opens for Utsavam.

The utsavam includes traditional temple ceremonies, special poojas, and festival rituals performed according to Tantric traditions.

• April 1 – Night 10:00 PM
  Temple closes after Utsavam.

During this period, thousands of devotees visit Sabarimala to witness festival rituals and receive blessings of Lord Ayyappa.

Special Pooja – Kodiyettu

• March 23 – Kodiyettu (Flag Hoisting Ceremony)

Kodiyettu marks the official beginning of the temple festival. The ceremonial flag hoisting is performed with Vedic rituals and chanting. This ritual invites divine presence and marks the start of the utsavam celebrations.

Ayyappa Birthday Celebration

• April 1 – Ayyappa Birthday

This day is believed to be the birth star day of Lord Ayyappa. Special poojas, archana, and offerings are conducted. Devotees consider this day very powerful for prayer and vratam.

Mandala Vratham – 48 Days Ayyappa Vratham

Mandala Vratham is the most important spiritual practice related to Lord Ayyappa.

• Duration: 48 Days Vratham

• Devotees observe strict discipline

• Vegetarian food only

• Daily pooja and prayer

• Wearing mala (sacred bead chain)

• Visiting temple regularly

Mandala Vratham prepares the devotee physically and mentally for Sabarimala pilgrimage.

Even during monthly pooja and utsavam, many devotees continue vratham and visit Sabarimala for darshan.

Importance of Visiting Sabarimala in March

Visiting Sabarimala during March pooja and utsavam is considered very auspicious because:

• Less crowd compared to Mandala season

• Monthly pooja blessings

• Festival rituals during utsavam

• Kodiyettu ceremony

• Ayyappa birthday pooja

Devotees believe prayers offered during this time bring peace, health, and prosperity.