Makaravilakku – A Sacred Festival at Sabarimala Temple

The main attraction of the festival is the grand Thiruvabharanam procession, showcasing the sacred ornaments of the Hindu deity Shri Ayyappa, the God of Growth. During the procession, an eagle is seen hovering in the sky. Following this, there is a religious gathering at the Sabarimala Shrine atop the hill, where Lord Ayyappa is adorned with the Thiruvabharanam for darshan. The highlight of the event is the 'Makaravilakku' or 'Makara Jyothi', the divine light that appears three times atop the Ponnambalamedu hill in Sabarimala. Approximately half a million devotees visit Sabarimala each year to witness this sacred ritual.

Makaravilakku signifies the culmination of the Sabarimala pilgrimage, which commences in mid-November, during the month of Vrischikam. Regarded as the second most significant pilgrimage in India, devotees from around the globe throng the temple seeking the divine blessings of Lord Ayyappa.

Specialty of Festival:

Makaravilakku is the most significant annual festival of the renowned Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. The main highlight of the festival is the appearance of the divine light, known as Makaravilakku, observed three times atop the Ponnambalamedu hill in Sabarimala.

Month of Festival:

Makaravilakku Festival is often celebrated on the day of Makar Sankranti which usually falls in the month of January.