Sabarimala temple : Check here for the next opening dates

Bengaluru, Nov 5: Sabarimala temple is opened on Monday amid tight security. Around 2,000 police personnel under an additional general of police and two inspector generals have been lined up for security. After the Supreme Court verdict, the temple was opened from October 17 to 22 for Monthly Puja- Thulam.

In the month of November, for 'Chitra Atta Thirunal' the temple will be opened for two days on 5th and 6th of this month.

Pathanamthitta collector PB Nooh said the district administration hasn't got any request from women to trek to the hilltop and if they come forward, police will give them protection.

The devotees undertaking the pilgrimage for the first time (called 'Kanni Ayyappan') should seek the guidance of a senior Guruswamy.

The Vritam (vow) should be observed for at least 45 to 48 days before ascending the sacred 18 steps to the sanctum sanctorum (sannidhanam) of Sabarimala. The Vritam is very simple and easily observable. The devotees shall try to be pure in all the 3 aspects - Kaaya (Physical) Vaacha (Speech) and Manasa (Mental) and obey the Guruswamy always.

Strict celibacy, repeated chanting of the 'taaraka mantram' ie SWAMIYE SARANAM AYYAPPA, conditions the body for the trek through the Sabari hills.

Utmost devotion, honesty and unfliching faith in His ultimate grace, abstinence from alcohol and non-vegetarian food, are the other prerequisites. During Deeksha, the devotees shall be in black or saffron clothes, remain unshaven, wear Tulsi or Rudraksha mala.

The sacred mala should be worn in the presence of a Guruswamy. If unable, then place mala at the altar, chant "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" thrice and then wear. Once you wear the mala, ensure you observe full Vritam. The devotees shall participate in Bhajans, pooja etc.

Check here for the next opening dates:

Sabarimala temple

Melsanthi Unnikrishnan Nampoothiri opens the Sabarimala temple for the five-day monthly pooja in the Malayalam month of ‘Thulam', Sabarimala, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018. Tension was witnessed outside Sabarimala temple that was opened for the first time for women between the age of 10 and 50 on Wednesday following the Supreme Court verdict, turning over the age-old custom of not admitting them. (PTI Photo)

Devotees trek from Nilakkal base cam

Devotees trek from Nilakkal base camp towards Sabarimala Temple, in Pathanamthitta, Monday, Nov 05, 2018. This is the second time the hill temple will open for 'darshan' after the Supreme Court allowed entry of women of all age groups into it. (PTI Photo)

Devotees protest

Devotees protest against the Supreme Court's' Sabarimala verdict, in Chikamagalur, Wednesday, Oct 31, 2018. (PTI Photo)

Devotees pay obeisance Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala

Devotees pay obeisance Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, Monday, Oct 22, 2018. Kerala has been witnessing massive protests by Ayyappa devotees opposing the entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the Sabarimala temple since the government decided to implement the apex court order. (PTI Photo)