- By Kashish Rai
- Tue, 24 Dec 2024 03:48 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mandala Pooja 2024: The Sabarimala Mandala Pooja is a significant Hindu ritual observed at the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, India. This 41-day festival is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, the deity of the temple. During this period, devotees undertake a rigorous pilgrimage to the temple, adhering to a strict vow of celibacy, abstinence and austerity. The Mandala Pooja is a celebration of the union of Lord Ayyappa with his consort, Malikappurathamma. The festival culminates with the Mandala Pooja ceremony, which involves the offering of prayers, flowers, and other rituals to the deities.
Check out the date, significance and rituals associated with this festival below.
Mandala Pooja 2024: Date
In 2024, devotees will celebrate Mandala Pooja on Thursday, 26th December. This sacred ritual typically falls in December or January, marking an important date in the Malayalam Calendar's Dhanu Masam, usually on the 11th or 12th day.
Mandala Pooja 2024: Significance
The Sabarimala Mandala Pooja is a revered Hindu ritual observed at the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, India. This sacred ceremony holds immense significance for devotees of Lord Ayyappa, the deity worshipped at the temple. The Mandala Pooja is a 41-day festival that commences on the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam and concludes on the 11th or 12th day of Dhanu Masam.
During the Mandala Pooja, devotees undertake a rigorous pilgrimage to the temple, adhering to a strict vow of celibacy, abstinence, and austerity. The ceremony involves the offering of prayers, flowers, and other rituals to Lord Ayyappa and his consort, Malikappurathamma. The Sabarimala Mandala Pooja is a testament to the devotion and faith of millions of Hindus worldwide, and its significance lies in its ability to bring devotees closer to the divine.
Sabarimala Mandala Pooja honours Lord Ayyappa, a revered Hindu deity, with sacred rituals and a 41-day pilgrimage. (Image Source: Jagran English)
Mandala Pooja 2024: Rituals
The Sabarimala Mandala Pooja is a sacred Hindu ritual that involves a series of elaborate ceremonies and offerings. Devotees begin their pilgrimage by wearing a sacred garland called the 'Mala', which symbolises their devotion to Lord Ayyappa. They then embark on a 41-day vow of celibacy, abstinence, and austerity, during which they refrain from worldly pleasures and focus on spiritual pursuits.
The Mandala Pooja ceremony itself involves the offering of prayers, flowers and other rituals to Lord Ayyappa and his consort, Malikappurathamma. Devotees also participate in the ' Neyyabhishekam' ritual, where they offer ghee to the deity. The ceremony culminates with the 'Makarajyothi' ritual, where a sacred flame is lit on a nearby hill, symbolizing the divine presence of Lord Ayyappa. These rituals are performed with great fervour and devotion and are an integral part of the Sabarimala Mandala Pooja.
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(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)