Sabarimala · Verified guide
Sabarimala Opening Dates 2026–27 and Daily Timings
Unlike most temples, Sabarimala is not open every day. It opens for the Mandala–Makaravilakku season, for the first days of each Malayalam month, and for festivals such as Vishu.
Changing information reviewed · Official sources separated from planning guidance
Quick answer
For 2026–27, the temple opens on 16 November 2026 at 5:30 pm, closes after Mandala Pooja on 27 December 2026, re-opens on 30 December 2026 and closes on 20 January 2027 after Makaravilakku on 15 January 2027. In season, it is open about 3 am–1 pm and 3 pm–11:45 pm.
On this page
Mandala–Makaravilakku 2026–27
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 16 Nov 2026, 5:30 pm | Temple opens; Mandala season begins |
| 17 Nov 2026 | First day of the 41-day Mandala period (Vrischikam 1) |
| 27 Dec 2026 | Mandala Pooja; temple closes at 10:30 pm |
| 30 Dec 2026, 5:30 pm | Re-opens for the Makaravilakku period |
| 15 Jan 2027 | Makaravilakku and Makara Jyothi |
| 20 Jan 2027, 10 pm | Temple closes for the season |
Daily timings in the season
| Session | Time |
|---|---|
| Opening (Nirmalyam) | 3:00 am |
| Usha Pooja | 7:30 am |
| Uccha Pooja | 12:30 pm |
| Closes | 1:00 pm |
| Re-opens | 3:00 pm |
| Deeparadhana | 6:30 pm |
| Harivarasanam and closing | 11:45 pm |
Outside the season
The temple also opens for a few days at the start of every Malayalam month (monthly poojas) and for Vishu in April. These openings are much less crowded but also use the virtual queue. Dates are announced by the Travancore Devaswom Board.
Choosing your day
- Busiest: the first days after opening, weekends, holidays, and the days before Makaravilakku.
- Calmer: weekdays in the middle of the Mandala period.
- For Makara Jyothi viewing, see the Makaravilakku guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Mandala Pooja date in 2026?
27 December 2026, as per the published calendar.
What is the Makaravilakku date in 2027?
15 January 2027.
What are Sabarimala temple timings?
In season the temple opens at about 3 am, closes at 1 pm, re-opens at 3 pm and closes at about 11:45 pm after Harivarasanam.
Is Sabarimala open every day?
No. It is open during the Mandala–Makaravilakku season, monthly pooja days and some festivals.
Sources
- Sabarimala 2026–27 season dates (Hindu Blog calendar)
- Sabarimala (Pathanamthitta district administration)
Checked 6 Oct 2026. Rules can change; confirm with the official source before you travel.