Mandala-Makaravilakku Festival Sabarimala
What is Makara Vilakku?
Makara Vilakku is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the Sabarimala temple of Kerala. It comes on the 1st day of Makara month (January) as per the Malayalam calendar. It coincides with Makara Sankranti.
On this day, bhakts from pan-India come to the Ayyappa Swami temple at Sabarimala for Makara Vilakku darshan and to look at the Makara Jyoti. It is a bright Sirius star that rises in the evening and is positioned in the eastern direction of the temple, above Ponnambalamedu.
Makara means the Makar zodiac (Capricorn), and Vilakku means light. Throughout the entire festival, the most important event is the holding of Makara Jyoti. Ayyappa Swami is the son of Bhagwan Shiva and Mohini. She is the only female form of Bhagwan Vishnu. Lord Ayappa is worshipped by bhakts from all over India. Let us tell you about the Mandala Makaravilakku festival in detail.
Makara Vilakku Date for 2025
- Makara Vilakku is on Tuesday, January 14, 2025
- Makara Vilakku Sankranti Moment: 09:03 AM
- Makar Sankranti on Tuesday, January 14, 2025
The temple opened its gates on the evening of November 15, 2024. It was the start of this grand festival.
The Mandala pilgrimage will start on Saturday and conclude on December 26 with Thanka Anki featuring from the Aranmula Parthasarathy temple.
The 2nd phase of the festival, Markaravilakku, will take place from December 30 to January 20, 2025. The most important event, Makaravilakku Day, will take place on January 15, 2025.
What is the Importance of the Makara Vilakku?
Since ancient times, the festival has been celebrated at the Ayyappa temple in Kerala. The Makara Vilakku is believed to have come from the Ponnambalamedu plateau. It is the light from camphor lit during the Aarti at the temple there, seen three times from Sabarimala. Many devotees also believe this light is divine.
The sighting of the Makara Vilakku brings great joy to devotees. It represents Lord Ayyappa’s divine presence and blessings, completing their spiritual journey.
Makara Vilakku is also important because it falls on Makar Sankranti. On this day, the Sun shifts from Sagittarius to Capricorn.
Activities of Makara Vilakku
The gold ornaments of Swami Ayyappa are brought from Pandalam Palace in a great procession to the temple, where the devotees are eagerly waiting.
The preparation for the event gets started in mid-November and December. Some devotees observe a strict 41-day fast before visiting the temple for the festival and the Mandala Pooja. The Mandala Pooja is performed at the end of the Makaravilakku day at the Lord Ayyappa temple.
Devotees can perform the darshan at nine different locations: Sannidhanam, Paandithavalam, Saramkuthi, Marakootam, Pulmedu, Hilltop, Neelimala, Chalakayam, and Attathodu.
An eagle is believed to follow the Thiruvabharanam procession from Pandalam Palace to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. On reaching Sabarimala, the eagle circles the temple nine times to honour Lord Ayyappa. This eagle is said to be Garuda, the vehicle of Bhagwan Vishnu.
The procession reaches the temple by evening. The holy ornaments are carried on the heads of selected men. These ornaments are used to adorn Swamy Ayyappa, followed by the ‘Deeparadhana’ (lamp worship).
At the same time, the Makara Jyoti is seen. This marks the start of the seven-day Makaravilakku festival. Devotees chant “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa” as the atmosphere fills with devotion.
Devotees eagerly receive the special prasadam, Aravana Payasam and Appam, to eat and take home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the date for the Makaravilakku festival in 2025?
A: Makara Vilakku is on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
Q: What is Mandala Pooja?
A: The Mandala Pooja is performed at the end of the Makaravilakku day at the Lord Ayyappa temple.
Q: Are Makara Vilakku and Makara Sankranti on the same day?
A: Yes, Makra Vilakku coincides with Makara Sankranti.
