Mandala Pooja
Mandala Puja and Makara Vilakku
Mandala Puja is one of the most significant rites performed at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala. This puja marks the conclusion of the 41-day period of abstinence known as Mandala Kalam, observed by Lord Ayyappa's devotees. The 41-day fast begins on the first day of the Malayalam month Vrishchikam, and during this period, the temple remains open on most days for worshipers to offer prayers.
The most auspicious day of the Mandala Puja is Makara Sankranti, which falls on January 14th and 16th every year. This day is marked by a grand procession where the sacred jewels of Lord Ayyappa are carried from the Old Pandalam Palace to Sabarimala. Among these jewels is the Krishnaparuntu, a sacred eagle believed to be the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. As a sign of respect to Lord Ayyappa, this eagle is said to circle the Sannidhanam (sanctum sanctorum) of Sabarimala nine times.
On Makara Sankranti day, Lord Ayyappa is adorned in the sacred jewels, blessing devotees in a regal pose. A beautiful light known as Makara Vilakku appears three times from the Kanda Malai hills opposite Sabarimala, marking the climax of the ritual. The event concludes with the sighting of the Makara Jyoti, the sacred star that symbolizes the divinity and uniqueness of this auspicious occasion.
SRI AYYAPPA MANDALA PUJA @ SRI MEENAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE
The Ayyappa Mandala Puja is also celebrated at the Meenakshi Temple, following the same schedule as per the Sabarimala panchangam. The Mandala Kalam begins, and during this period, the temple priest performs a special puja every evening. Specific days, highlighted in the Meenakshi Temple calendar, are dedicated to even more elaborate rituals, such as the Padi Pooja.
Daily Schedule :
09:00 AM - Abishekam & Malar Nivedyam
09:45 AM - Usha Pooja
11:00 AM - Uccha Pooja
06:15 PM - Deeparadhana & Bhajans
07:30 PM - Sahasranama Archana
08:15 PM - SeeVeli (Procession)
08:30 PM - Harivarasanam
Daily Bhajans
Experience the joy of daily Bhajans at MTS, where devotees come together to sing devotional songs and offer their prayers to Lord Ayyappa. Our Bhajan sessions create a sense of unity and devotion among participants.
PADI POOJA
The Padi Pooja is a ritual performed to honor the eighteen divine steps (padis) that represent the hill deities guarding Lord Ayyappa. These steps are adorned with flowers, and each step holds a kalasam (pot) with a coconut. Lamps are lit on either side of the steps, creating a serene atmosphere as the Aarathi (final offering) is performed by the priest. The pooja is accompanied by the rhythmic beats of Chenda Melam (traditional drum performance), enhancing the spiritual experience. Grand sponsorship and group sponsorship opportunities are available for those interested in supporting the Mandala Pooja.
Padi Pooja Sponsorship - $1501/$251/$101,
Padi Pooja Dates-
11/16/24, 11/30/24, 12/14/2024 & 01/04/2025
Padi Pooja Schedule:
2:30 PM - Padi Alankaram
5:30 PM - Padi Pooja
7:00 PM - Padi Yetram
08:15 PM - SeeVeli (Procession)
08:30 PM - Harivarasanam
09:00 PM - Annadhanam
Ayyappa Annadhanam
Lord Ayyappa, revered as the Annadhana Prabhu, strongly believed in simplicity, humility, and equality. He encouraged devotees to share food and blessings with the needy. This tradition continues with the Ayyappa Annadhanam at Meenakshi Temple, where food is served to all devotees as an act of sharing and caring.
The Annadhanam is a well-organized event where volunteers provide delicious meals to hundreds of devotees. The experience is often compared to the hospitality and grand meals served at traditional Indian weddings, where food is served on banana leaves. The meals begin with sweets, followed by a traditional main course, and end with kheer (a dessert). The dedication and warmth of the volunteers, combined with the tasty food, make the Annadhanam a memorable part of the Mandala Puja celebrations.
Devotees, having received blessings through food on their spiritual journey, feel compelled to share the same with their fellow worshippers, fulfilling Lord Ayyappa’s belief in equality and service to others.