Mandala Puja

Mandala Puja is an important ritual observed at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala. It is observed from the 1st day of the �Vrishchikam� month till the 11th or 12th day of the �Dhanu� masam in the traditional Malayalam calendar. The day of Mandala Puja marks the end of the 41 days long austerity that is observed by the followers or devotees of Lord Ayyappa. The fast begins 41 before the observance of Mandala Puja, that is, the first day of the Malayalam month of �Vrishchikam�. Mandala Puja along with �Makar 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. 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�.

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�.

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 austerities of Mandala Puja ends with �Kalabhaattam�. In this ritual a mixture of camphor, rose water, saffron and sandalwood paste is poured on the deity. It is conducted once every year and is the right of only Zamorin Rajas.

2016 Date : 26th December.