Mandala Pooja 2025: Mandala Kalam Start And End Date; Check Significance And Rituals Of This Event

Mandala Pooja 2025: The Mandala Pooja at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, Kerala, is an important ritual that marks the end of the 41-day rigorous fast, called "Mandalam." This fast begins on the first day of the Malayalam month Vrishchikku. The Mandala Pooja and Makara Vilakku are two major events at the temple, attracting devotees from across Kerala and surrounding states. The temple is open to devotees on most days during this period. Traditionally, devotees also visit the temple on Thursdays during the Mandala Pooja, where a special consecration ceremony is held.

Know all the important details regarding the start and end date, significance and rituals associated with Mandala Kalam below:

Mandala Pooja 2025: Mandala Kalam Start And End Date

Below are all the important details regarding the start and end dates of Mandala Kalam:

- Mandala Kalam 2025 Start Date: 17th November 2025, Monday

- Mandala Kalam 2025 End Date And Mandala Pooja: 27th December 2025, Saturday

Mandala Pooja 2025: Significance

The significance of Mandala Puja is described in several Puranas, which state that performing this ritual can positively change a person's destiny. This puja can be performed only once in a lifetime. Mandala Puja is an extremely powerful ritual that, when performed with complete devotion and dedication, fulfils all desires. Many people have experienced their wishes fulfilled after the Mandala Puja. The purpose of the 41-day fast and austerity of the Mandala Puja is self-purification. This fast is open to everyone, whether male or female. Girls aged 1 to 9 and women over 50 can also perform the Mandala Puja fast, known as 'Malikapuram'.

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Lord Ayyappan is worshipped during the sacred Mandala Kalam. (Image Source: Canva) 

Mandala Pooja 2025: Rituals

Fasting and austerities during the Mandala Puja are of utmost importance to the traditional and ancient people of South India. Observing austerities is also mandatory for those going on the Sabarimala pilgrimage. During this period, devotees live a pious and simple life. They wear Rudraksha or Tulsi garlands containing a picture of Lord Ayyappa, and remove them upon completing their visit to the Sabarimala temple. During this period, devotees are called "Swami" or "Ayyappan."

During the Mandala Puja, devotees purify their bodies and minds and abstain from worldly pleasures. Abstaining from alcohol and smoking is mandatory. Devotees should perform the puja twice a day, refrain from sexual intercourse, and avoid hurting anyone.

The day of Makar Sankranti is considered highly sacred during the Mandala Puja. The Mandala Puja, also known as Makaravilakku, is celebrated between January 14 and 16 every year. During this time, the Lord's jewellery is taken to the old Pandalam Palace, where the Krishnaparandu (Brahmin eagle), considered the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, flies with the Lord's jewellery and circumambulates nine times over the Sannidhanam.

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During this time, the Makara Jyothi (the Makara Jyothi) is observed, a unique experience. The idol of Lord Ayyappa is adorned with jewellery, and devotees chant "Swami Sharanam Ayyappa." After the jewellery is adorned, the star disappears, followed by the Makaravilakku, which flashes three times, concluding this sacred ritual.

(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)