The Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is a Hindu temple devoted to the worship of a deity named Ayyappan, also known as Dharma Shasta. Ayyappan is believed to be the son of Shiva and Mohini (the female avatar of Lord Vishnu). The temple is situated atop a hill in the village of Ranni-Perunad, within the Ranni Taluk of the Pathanamthitta district in the state of Kerala, India. It is surrounded by 18 hills in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The Sabarimala Temple is one of the largest annual pilgrimage sites in the world, with an estimated 10 to 15 million devotees visiting every year.
The Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, India, holds immense spiritual significance for devotees of Lord Ayyappa. Here are the Sabarimala Temple Opening Dates 2024:
- Makaravilakku: The temple opens on December 30, 2023, and the closing date is January 20, 2024.
- Makaravilakku Day: On January 15, 2024, special rituals are performed to celebrate Makaravilakku.
- Guruthi Puja: This ritual takes place on January 19, 2024.
- Monthly Pooja (Kumbham): The temple opens from February 13, 2024, to February 18, 2024 for the Kumbha Masam Pooja.
- Monthly Pooja (Meenam): From March 13, 2024, to March 18, 2024, devotees can participate in the Meenam monthly pooja. The Sabarimala Festival also occurs during this time, from March 15, 2024, to March 25, 2024.
- Kodiyettu (Dhwajarohan): On March 16, 2024, the temple flag is hoisted.
- Pankuni Uthram & Arattu: The temple closes on March 25, 2024, after the Arattu ceremony.
- Monthly Pooja (Medam): From April 10, 2024, to April 18, 2024, the Medam monthly pooja is observed. Vishu, the Malayalam New Year, falls on April 14, 2024.
- Deity Installation Day (Prathishta Dinam): Celebrated on May 18, 2024, this day marks the installation of the deity in the temple.
Please note that the temple usually opens at 5:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM. However, during peak seasons like Mandala and Makara Vilakku Mahotsavams, the timings may be adjusted to accommodate the large number of devotees
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