Sabarimala mandala puja begins Nov 17; new melsanthies to be selected on Oct 18

Direct fact

In October 2026, Sabarimala temple announced that the mandala puja season would begin on November 17, 2026, and the final selection of new melsanthies would take place on October 18, 2026.

Key specifics

• The first-stage selection recommended 5 candidates for Sannidhanam and 3 for Malikappuram.
• The temple doors for Thulam (Aippasi) month worship were scheduled to open on October 17, 2026 evening.
• The selected melsanthies would take charge from the first day of Karthigai month.
• Devotees visit Sabarimala in large numbers during the mandala and Makaravilakku seasons, making crowd management crucial.
• The report mentioned that the Devaswom Board had not yet begun full-scale planning for the season.

Exam lens

Important days and temple administration question type, November 17 mandala puja, October 18 final selection, 5 and 3 candidates, Karthigai month, Devaswom Board; TNPSC may ask the sequence of Sabarimala seasonal rituals.