Mandala Kalam

The Sabarimala Temple in Kerala is a world famous temple located at an altitude of 914 metres. Mandala Kalam, also known as Mandala Masam is the main pilgrimage season of this renowned Sabarimala Temple. Mandala Kalam Begins from the first day of the ‘Vrishchikam’ masam and ends on the eleventh day of the ‘Dhanu’ masam as per the traditional Malayalam calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, this time corresponds to the months of December-January. Mandala Kalam lasts for a period of 41 days when millions of devotees from all corners of the world, throng the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple.

Significance of Mandala Kalam 

According to the legends Lord Ayyappa meditated at this place after killing the demon named ‘Mahishi’. Mandala Kalam or Mandala Masam is the period dedicated to the Sabarimala shrine that lasts for 41 days. During this period devotees observe strict austerity. After the 41 days of the pilgrimage season, Lord Ayyappa Temple remains close for a period of three days and is re-opened on the fourth day for darshan. People belonging to any religion can visit the Sabarimala Temple as there is no discrimination of caste or creed. However female devotees aged between 10-50 years are prohibited from visiting the Sabarimala Temple during Mandala Kalam period. The annual pilgrimage season of the famous Sabarimala Temple continues from mid-November to mid-January and comes to an end with the celebrations of ‘Makaravilakku’. Millions of devotees visit the Sabarimala Shrine during Mandala Kalam to offer their sacred prayers to Lord Ayyappa.

Rituals during Mandala Kalam Begins:

• Before the Mandala Kalam Begins devotees observe vrata or penance for several days in advance. Staunch devotees also keep strict fast during the Mandala Kalam (41 days) while some even observe a fasting or penance for few days. They refrain from eating non-vegetarian food, avoid sex and wear a special ‘Rudraksha’ mala during this time.
• Those visiting the Sabarimala Temple as the Mandala Kalam Begins, wear black dhotis. These devotees also carry ‘Irumudi’ or ‘Ketunira’, which is a cloth bundle, partitioned into two parts and contain a holy coconut with rice and ghee. The ‘Irumudi’ is taken for offering to Lord Ayyappa.
• As the Mandala Kalam Begins, there is also a ritual of visiting the Shri Krishna Temple as Guruvayur.

2016 Date : 16th November.