- By Kashish Rai
- Tue, 14 Jan 2025 10:20 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Makaravilakku 2025: Kerala's revered Makaravilakku festival takes centre stage annually at the iconic Sabarimala Temple. Falling on the first day of the Makara month, coinciding with January in the Gregorian calendar, this celebration synchronises with Makar Sankranti. On this sacred day, devotees from across India converge on the revered Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala for the Makaravilakku darshan. The festival's pinnacle is the sighting of the divine Makara Jyothi, a mesmerising light phenomenon. Thousands of pilgrims gather to witness this extraordinary spectacle, rendering Makaravilakku an unforgettable experience that embodies the essence of spiritual devotion and communal celebration. The event showcases Kerala's rich cultural heritage, attracting devotees and tourists alike. This year, Sabrimala Makaravilakku is being observed on 14th January 2025.
Makaravilakku 2025: Date And Time
- Makaravilakku 2025 Date: 14th January 2025
- Makara Vilakku Sankranti Moment: 09:03 AM
Makaravilakku 2025: Significance
Makara Vilakku is a revered Kerala festival celebrated annually at Sabarimala Temple. The festival's name combines Makara, the zodiac sign of Capricorn, and Vilakku, meaning light. The most significant activity during the festival is witnessing the Makara Vilakku and Makara Jyothi. Devotees gather at the sanctum sanctorum, eagerly awaiting the procession that brings Lord Ayyappa's divine gold ornaments from Pandalam Palace to the temple.
The festival is deeply rooted in Indian astrology and legends. Lord Ayyappa, revered as Ayyappa Swami, is believed to be the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini. Devotees prepare for the festival two months in advance, observing a mandatory 41-day fast before attending the Makara Vilakku festival or Mandala puja at the Ayyappa temple. The festival is considered virtuous, and witnessing the Makaravilakku at one of the nine designated locations is believed to grant devotees' wishes and change their lives.
Sabarimala Makaravilakku is a revered festival where devotees gather at Sabarimala Temple to witness the divine Makara Jyothi on Makara Sankranti. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Makaravilakku 2025: Rituals
To participate in the Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, devotees must adhere to the strict Makaravilakku Vidhi, also known as Mandalakaalam. This 41-day period of austerity begins on the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrischikam. Only women over 50 and girls between 1 and 9 are permitted to enter the temple. Devotees must observe a simple and austere life, fasting throughout the day and consuming only one vegetarian meal.
During this period, devotees wear a Rudraksha and Tulsi bead necklace and a Lord Ayyappa locket, which is only removed after the Makaravilakku puja. They must abstain from vices like alcohol, smoking, and gambling, and observe celibacy as Lord Ayyappa is revered as a Brahmachari. Devotees are also required to avoid luxuries, walk barefoot and sleep on the floor, dedicating their time to prayer and meditation.
The pilgrims carry a cloth bundle called "irumudi" containing rice, coconut, ghee, and camphor, which is offered to Lord Ayyappa during their visit. Before reaching the temple, devotees visit the Ganapathi temple at Pampa, offer prayers, and then undertake a challenging trek to the Sannidhanam. After the Makara Vilakku darshan and puja, devotees conclude the rituals by visiting the Krishna Temple at Guruvayur.
The 41-day fasting and austerities come to an end on Makaravilakku day. Some devotees stay in Sabarimala and return only after the Kuruthi Puja, which concludes the seven-day festival. By following the strict Makaravilakku Vidhi, devotees demonstrate their devotion and commitment to Lord Ayyappa, seeking spiritual enlightenment and blessings.
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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.)