Sabarimala Temple Opens for Thulam Month Rituals; Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan Offers Prayers

Category: India News | Kerala

Subheading: The Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple reopened for its Thulam monthly rituals amid heavy rainfall, with thousands of devotees gathering for worship. The visit also coincides with preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage season.

News Article:

SABARIMALA, KERALA, October 17, 2026: The revered Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple opened on Saturday for the Thulam month rituals, attracting devotees despite persistent heavy rainfall in the region.

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan visited the hill shrine and offered prayers. Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan and other officials also visited the temple complex.

The sanctum was opened by head priest E.D. Prasad Namboothiri in the presence of Thantri Kandararu Brahmadathan. The ceremonial lamp was lit, followed by the lighting of the sacred fire at the Aazhi below the 18 holy steps.

Darshan and priest selection scheduled

The temple was scheduled to open for devotees at 5 a.m. on Sunday, October 18, marking the first day of the Malayalam month of Thulam. The selection of new chief priests, known as Melsanthis, for the Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples was also scheduled through a traditional draw of lots.

Special significance of this year's rituals

This year's Thulam observances are particularly significant because they coincide with Mahanavami and Vijayadashami, a rare occurrence after several decades, according to published reports.

The temple is scheduled to remain open for the monthly rituals until October 22, when the shrine is expected to close at 10 p.m.

The reopening marks an important period of worship for devotees of Lord Ayyappa and forms part of the temple's regular monthly ritual calendar.