The annual Mandala season at the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple in Kerala will begin on November 17, 2026. As part of the preparations, the temple sanctum will open at 5 PM on November 16. The famous Mandala Pooja is scheduled for December 27, 2026.
Online booking for Sabarimala darshan during the Mandala season will begin on October 29 at 10 AM through the official booking website. According to the announcement, a maximum of 80,000 devotees will be permitted daily through online and spot booking facilities.
Sabarimala Mandala Season 2026: Important Dates
Devotees planning to visit the temple should note these important dates:
Temple Opening Date: November 16, 2026
Mandala Season Begins: November 17, 2026
Mandala Pooja: December 27, 2026
Online Darshan Booking: October 29, 2026
Booking Start Time: 10 AM
Daily Pilgrim Limit: 80,000 devotees, according to the announcement
Sabarimala Online Darshan Booking 2026
Online booking for the Mandala pilgrimage is scheduled to open on October 29 at 10 AM. Devotees are advised to register through the official Sabarimala booking portal and select an available darshan slot before travelling.
Official booking website: https://sabarimalaonline.org
Pilgrims should check the portal for the latest availability, registration requirements and travel instructions.
Daily Pilgrim Entry Limits and Routes
According to the announcement, daily entry will be limited to 80,000 devotees through online and spot booking combined.
The reported online booking allocation for different routes is as follows:
| Pilgrimage Route | Daily Online Booking Allocation |
| Nilakkal and Pamba route | 60,000 devotees |
| Erumeli forest route | 3,000 devotees |
| Vandiperiyar route | 3,000 devotees |
| Total stated route allocation | 66,000 devotees |
Spot booking counters will operate at three locations: Nilakkal, Erumeli and Vandiperiyar.
Devotees should confirm the latest route arrangements and booking availability through official announcements before beginning their journey.
Spot Booking Counters for Sabarimala Darshan
Pilgrims who plan to use spot booking can check the availability and procedures at the designated counters in Nilakkal, Erumeli and Vandiperiyar.
Since the Mandala season attracts large numbers of devotees, advance planning is recommended. Pilgrims should carry valid identification and follow the instructions issued by the temple authorities.
Plan Your Sabarimala Pilgrimage in Advance
The Mandala season is one of the most important annual pilgrimage periods for Lord Ayyappa devotees. With online booking scheduled to begin on October 29, pilgrims should plan their travel, accommodation and darshan arrangements early.
For the latest updates, devotees should rely on official Sabarimala booking information and announcements from the relevant temple authorities.