🛕 December 27, 2025 – Mandala Pooja: Completion of 41-Day Sabarimala Ayyappa Vratham

Festival Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025
Tithi: Pausha Shukla Saptami
Observed by: Devotees of Lord Ayyappa
Location: Primarily in Kerala, especially at the Sabarimala Temple in Pathanamthitta District

🌅 About Mandala Pooja

Mandala Pooja (also known as Mandala Kalam) marks the culmination of the 41-day long Ayyappa Vratham (penance) observed by devotees of Lord Ayyappa.
The term “Mandala” represents a period of 41 days, symbolizing spiritual discipline, self-control, and devotion.

In 2025, Mandala Pooja will be celebrated on Saturday, December 27, coinciding with Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, making it a spiritually powerful day.

🔱 Significance of Mandala Pooja

The Sabarimala pilgrimage begins in mid-November (around the first day of Vrischikam month in the Malayalam calendar) and concludes with Mandala Pooja, marking the end of the first phase of the pilgrimage season.

Devotees observe strict rituals during this period, including:

• Brahmacharya (celibacy)
• Vegetarian diet
• Daily prayers and fasting
• Wearing black or blue clothes
• Carrying the Irumudi Kettu (sacred travel bag)

This 41-day journey symbolizes self-purification, devotion, and mental discipline, preparing devotees for spiritual elevation and inner awakening.

🕉️ Spiritual Meaning

The Mandala Vratham represents the union of body, mind, and soul.
During this period, the devotee becomes a Yogi, detached from material pleasures and focused on spiritual realization through devotion to Lord Ayyappa — the embodiment of Dharma Shastha (the protector of righteousness).

As the devotee chants:

“Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!”
(O Lord Ayyappa, I seek refuge in you)

the mantra reinforces surrender, humility, and inner transformation.

🌠 Mandala Pooja Celebration at Sabarimala

At Sabarimala Temple, the Mandala Pooja is performed with great grandeur:

• The Ayyappa idol is adorned with ornaments and garlands.
• The Tantri (chief priest) performs special abhishekam (ritual bathing) and deeparadhana (lamp offering).
• Thousands of devotees gather to witness the holy jyothi (divine light).
• The temple then closes for a few days after the Mandala Pooja, reopening for the Makaravilakku festival in January.

🪔 Rituals and Observances

1. Vratham (41 Days of Austerity):
   Begins on the first day of the Malayalam month Vrischikam.
2. Daily Worship:
   Devotees perform pooja at home or temples, chanting Ayyappa bhajans.
3. Fasting and Simplicity:
   A life of restraint and devotion, eating satvik food, avoiding negative thoughts.
4. Pilgrimage to Sabarimala:
   Many complete their vow with a holy trek to the temple through dense forests.
5. Mandala Pooja Offering:
   Devotees offer ghee-filled coconuts, camphor, flowers, and Irumudi before Lord Ayyappa.

📿 Key Beliefs

• Mandala Pooja brings spiritual cleansing, mental strength, and divine blessings.
• Completing the 41-day Vratham signifies a renewed commitment to dharma and moral purity.
• It is believed that Lord Ayyappa blesses devotees with peace, prosperity, and protection from obstacles.

🌼 Legends Associated with Mandala Pooja

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ayyappa, born of the union of Lord Shiva and Mohini (Vishnu’s incarnation), symbolizes the harmony between Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

The Mandala Pooja period allows devotees to attain balance — controlling desires and focusing on spiritual liberation (moksha) through disciplined living.

❓ FAQs on Mandala Pooja 2025

Q1. When is Mandala Pooja in 2025?
A1. Mandala Pooja will be celebrated on Saturday, December 27, 2025, marking the end of the 41-day Ayyappa Vratham.

Q2. What is the meaning of Mandala Pooja?
A2. Mandala Pooja signifies the culmination of a 41-day period of penance, discipline, and devotion to Lord Ayyappa.

Q3. Where is Mandala Pooja celebrated?
A3. It is primarily celebrated at the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, but Ayyappa devotees observe it across the world.

Q4. What are the rituals of Mandala Pooja?
A4. Devotees perform daily prayers, fasting, chanting of Ayyappa bhajans, and finally offer the Irumudi Kettu at Sabarimala.

Q5. What is the spiritual benefit of observing the Mandala Vratham?
A5. It purifies the mind and body, bringing inner peace, self-control, and divine blessings from Lord Ayyappa.