Mandala Pooja 2022 begins from 17th November 2022 and concludes on 27th December 2022. Mandala Puja is an important ritual observed at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala. The day of Mandala Puja marks the end of the 41 days long austerity known as Mandala Kalam that is observed by the followers or devotees of Lord Ayyappa. The 41 day fast begins on the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam.
Mandala Puja along with ‘Makara Vilakku’
are the two major events held at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple that draws devotees
from all over Kerala and neighbouring states. During this time the temple
remains open on most of the days for the devotees.
Concluding Mandala Puja
2022 is on December 27, Tuesday.
As a tradition, devotees visiting the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple during the Mandala Puja also visit the ‘Guruvayur Temple’. During this time special ‘Abhishekam’ ceremony is organized in the ‘Guruvayur Temple’.
Rituals during Mandala Puja:
- Vratam
or fasting is an integral part of Mandala Puja that is observed with full
dedication and strictness by the traditional and orthodox people of South
India.
- Living
in austerity is also mandatory for people who visit the pilgrimage at
Sabarimala shrine. During the period of Mandala Puja, devotees lead a
pious and simple life. Devotees wear Rudraksha or Tulsi mala with Lord
Ayyappa’s locket till the time they make a visit to the Sabarimala Ayyappa
Temple and then they take out the Mala. The devotees during this time are referred
as ‘Swami’ or ‘Ayyappan’.
- During
the period of Mandala Puja, devotees need to keep their body as well as
mind clean and they must completely shun the worldly pleasures.
- Refraining
from alcohol and smoke is mandatory for all the devotees visiting the
Sabarimala shrine during the Mandala Puja. It is important to pray twice
daily. During this period they must avoid sex and try not to hurt other’s
feelings.
- The
most auspicious day during the Mandala Pooja is the Makarasankranti Day.
Mandala Pooja is also called as Makaravilakku. This is held every year
between 14-16th of January. The procession begins by taking the Lord’s
jewels to the Old Pandalam Palace situated in Sabarimala.
- Amidst
this, you will notice the Krishnaparuntu (the Brahminy Kite), which is
believed to be the vehicle of Lord Vishnu; hovering high above until the
jewels reach the palace. Then it circles about 9 times above Sannidhanam
in Sabarimala as a sign of respect to Lord Ayappan.
- The
only star that is visible to us will be the Makara Jyoti as it marks the
speciality of the ritual. During this time, Lord Ayappan Idol is adorned
with jewels and devotees chant “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa”. Once the Lord is
clad in jewels, the star vanishes mysteriously. Last, a bright effulgence
or Makaravilakku shines 3 times from the hills opposite to Sabarimala and
that ends the blessed ritual.
Significance of Mandala Puja:
The significance of Mandala Puja is stated in several
Puranas. It is mentioned in these religious scriptures that a person’s destiny
can be positively changed only by performing Mandala Puja. This puja can be
performed by any individual solely but it can only be done once during his/her
lifetime. Mandala Puja is a very powerful puja that grants fulfilment of all
the desires if done with full devotion and dedication. It has been witnessed
that a person got what he/she wants after completing the Mandala Puja. The
celebrations of Mandala Puja connotes the 41 days of austerities. The
strictness of the vratham during Mandala Puja helps to cleanse the soul. The
austerity can be observed by all, both men and women alike. Females aged
between 1-9 years and those above 50 are also allowed to do the Mandala Puja
vratham and they are known as ‘Malikapuram’.
