Sat Dec 27 15:00:31 UTC 2025: Summary:
The article reports on the culmination of the first leg of the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in Pathanamthitta, India. Thousands of pilgrims attended the Mandala puja, a significant ritual performed after adorning the deity with the “Thanka Anki” (sacred golden attire). The puja took place under the guidance of the temple’s head priest. The temple closed after the Harivarasanam lullaby and will reopen on December 30th for the Makaravilakku festival.
News Article:
Thousands Witness Mandala Puja at Sabarimala Temple, Marking End of First Pilgrimage Leg
Pathanamthitta, India – December 27, 2025 – Thousands of devotees thronged the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple today to witness the Mandala puja, signaling the end of the first 41-day phase of the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
The sacred rituals were conducted between 10:10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., led by temple head priest Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru. The deity was adorned with the “Thanka Anki,” the sacred golden attire, which arrived at the temple in a ceremonial procession yesterday.
Pilgrims, many from across India, were seen in long queues since early morning, dressed in traditional black attire and carrying “Irumudikettu” on their heads.
The temple closed at 10 p.m. after the rendition of Harivarasanam, marking the end of the Mandala puja season. Authorities have announced that the temple will reopen on December 30th at 5 p.m. for the Makaravilakku festival.
First Piper 