Makaravilakku at Sabarimala: A Sacred Confluence of Faith and Tradition
Makaravilakku is one of the most significant and spiritually charged rituals associated with the Sabarimala pilgrimage
Tens of thousands of pilgrims from different parts of India will throng to the sacred grove of Lord Ayyappa temple in Kerala on Wednesday to witness the Deeparadhana and the Makarajyoti that will appear on the Ponnambalamedu in the eastern horizon of the temple marking the end of two-month-long Mandala-Makaravilakku season. The temple authorities have made all the arrangements for the smooth and safe conduct of Makaravilakku festival. As the sacred light appears, the temple resonates with chants of “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa,” creating a deeply emotional and spiritual atmosphere. For devotees, the sight of the flame is believed to be an affirmation of Lord Ayyappa’s eternal presence.
The pilgrims have been camping in tents erected in various places in Sannidhanam and surrounding areas, are waiting for the celestial light that will appear on the Ponnambalamedu.
Makaravilakku is one of the most significant and spiritually charged rituals associated with the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Observed annually on Makara Sankranti, usually on January 14, the event marks the culmination of the Mandala–Makaravilakku pilgrimage season dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Millions of devotees from across India and abroad gather at the hill shrine to witness this sacred phenomenon, which symbolizes divine presence and blessings.
Sabarimala is revered as the sacred land where Lord Ayyappa, after completing his divine mission, undertook intense penance as a great yogi. The Makaravilakku festival marks the day when Lord Ayyappa is believed to awaken from yogic meditation. It begins with the appearance of the Makarajyothi — a sacred light seen atop the Ponnambalamedu hill — on the day of Makara Sankranti. Darshan on this day is considered highly meritorious. Special purification rituals at the temple commence two days prior to Makara Sankranti.
Thiruvabharanam Procession
The sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa (Thiruvabharanam), preserved at the Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Temple, are ceremonially brought to Sabarimala from the Pandalam Palace on Makara Sankranti day. These ornaments were gifted by the Pandalam king, who believed he could at least behold Ayyappa annually in royal attire, having been unable to crown him during his lifetime.
The Thiruvabharanam includes the sacred face ornament, Prabha, gold elephants, golden tiger, sword, anklets, necklaces, Navaratna ring, golden pot, Nettipattam, and puja vessels. They are carried in three sacred caskets — Thiruvabharanam Petti, Velli Petti and Kodi Petti — by a group observing strict penance, travelling on foot along the traditional route.
Before the procession begins, a sacred eagle (Krishnaparunthu) is believed to circle the temple three times — a divine signal marking the commencement of the journey. The Pandalam royal representative alone is authorised to escort the ornaments to Sabarimala.
The Thiruvabharanam is adorned on the deity only on select occasions — at Sabarimala during Makaravilakku, during Vishu and Uthram in the Malayalam month of Kumbham at Pandalam, and during the return procession halt at Ranni-Perunadu temple. The Makara Sankranti Deeparadhana is performed only after the ornaments are adorned.
Makaravilakku follows the Makara Jyothi pooja performed at the temple in the evening. While the ritual inside the temple is conducted by priests, the lighting of the flame at Ponnambalamedu has traditionally been associated with the Travancore Devaswom Board rituals, adding a layer of historical and cultural significance to the event.
Devotees, who observe a 41-day vratham (austere penance involving celibacy, simplicity, and discipline), consider witnessing Makaravilakku as the ultimate reward for their devotion and sacrifice.
Given the heavy rush of pilgrims, elaborate arrangements are made every year by the Travancore Devaswom Board and the Kerala government to ensure safety, crowd control, and smooth conduct of rituals.
