Article Updated with better and Latest pictures on 2025 and 2026 season on 20th January 2026
Someone asked if Authority of Pandala Raja to order closure and opening of the shrine. Yes Pandala Raja is the authority. This Article explains the Royal ritualistic procedures in Sabarimala during & immediately after Makaravilakku Festival which establishes the authority and ownership of Pandala Raja family on the Deity.
Pandala Raja is custodian of Thiruvabharanam which He brings the same to Sabarimala in a procession for adorning Bhagwan Ayyappa who wears it on Makaravilakku Day (traditionally only a representative accompanies the Thiruvabharanam as ). Three days prior to festival, the procession carrying the holy pedakam or caskets with ornaments , as also other items required for special poojas at Sabarimala starts from Pandalam.
Thiruvabharanama Pedakam (Boxes) – There are three Caskets that are carried from Pandalam Palace to Sabarimala that contains various ornaments, flags, Pooja items to be used during Makaravilakku Festival
The 1st Box called Thiruvabharanam Pedakam contains the primary gold ornaments used to adorn the idol: the Golden Face Mask (Thirumukham), the Prabha Mandalam (halo), 2 golden elephants replica and 1 Kaduva (tiger) replicas, various necklaces (Sarapoli Mala, Velakku Mala, Mani Mala), and the Navaratna Ring.
Representative Image Generated with Google Gemini
The Second box called Velli Petti contains Silver Items meant for performing Pooja on Makara Vilakku day and post-vilakku rituals. Golden Pot (Thaila Kudam/Kalasham): Used for the Kalabhabhishekam (anointing with sandalwood paste) on the 5th day of Makaram (explained later) and various silver and gold utensils used by the Melshanthi (Head Priest) for sacred rituals.
Representative Image Generated with Google Gemini
The 3rd Box called the Kodi Petti (Flag Box) has the ceremonial flags of Thalapparamala and Udamparamala, the Mezhuvatta Kuda (ceremonial umbrella), and the Arayan Jeevatha (sacred deity replica).
A Pratinidhi or representative of the Pandalam royal family , chosen and blessed by the Valiya Thampuran (Senior Raja) accompanies the procession in a palanquin (pallakki). Traditionally, Valiya Thampuram never undertakes pilgrimage to Sabarimala. He is accorded a formal ritualistic welcome upon arrival in Pamba and later after Makara Vilakku in Sabarimala
While the ornaments reach the Sannidhanam (sanctum sanctorum) on the evening of Makara Vilakku Festival, the Pratinidhi’s schedule is slightly different, he usually reaches Pampa on the day of Makaravilakku and stays there overnight and typically arrives at the main temple (Sannidhanam) on the 3rd of Makaram (two days after the main festival).
He is received with royal honors at Sharamkutthi by Devaswom officials and escorted in a procession to the Pathinettampadi (18 Holy Steps) with traditional music and a ceremonial sword. Upon reaching, he hands over his ceremonial sword to the Melsanthi (Chief Priest), which is placed beside the deity.
When the Pandalam Pratinidhi (the Royal Representative of the Pandalam Palace) reaches Sabarimala, it marks the climax of the Makaravilakku festival. His presence is central to the rituals because, according to legend, he is the representative of the King of Pandalam—the foster father of Bhagwan Ayyappa.
The Pratinidhi does not stay with other pilgrims. He stays at the Rajamandapam near the Malikappuram temple, behind Manimantapam. During his stay, he oversees the temple’s functioning, reinforcing his traditional role as the custodian of the shrine.
It is pertinent here to note that the only Human Beings allowed to ascend the Patinettam Padi without Irumudi Kettu is Pandalam Raja Family
The days following the Makaravilakku (from 3rd to 7th of Makaram) involve specific royal rituals. On the 5th of Makaram, a special ritual involving the pouring of sandalwood paste (Kalabham) on the idol is performed in his presence called Kalabhabhishekam and then the Neyyabhishekam. Both rituals are performed during Uchapooja under the Pandalam Palace’s supervision. The season’s final Neyyabhishekam uses pure ghee brought from the palace directly to the King’s representative. Ayyappa is anointed with 100% pure sandalwood paste (Kalabham) from the palace, using the Golden Kalasham stored in the silver Kalashaapetti. The 2nd box of Thiruvabharanam procession, called Velli Petti has this Golden Kalasham. During the ritual, the Lord is adorned with the Navaratna ring from the 1st box, Thiruvabharanapetti.
On the night of the 6th of Makaram, the Guruthi ritual is performed at Malikappuram. This is a fierce offering to the forest deities (Bhoothaganams) to protect the hill shrine. No one except the priest and the royal representative is ideally supposed to witness this in its entirety. The Pratinidhi offers dakshina (ritual offerings/fees) to the Tantri (High Priest) and the Melsanthi.
Following the rituals, the Kalabhasadhya (grand feast) is hosted at the Rajamandapam. It honors those who worked tirelessly to ensure the festival’s success. Often mistaken for a wedding feast, this Sadhya actually honors Malikappurathamma. Malikappurathamma represents Madhura Meenakshi, the ancestral goddess of the Pandalam dynasty and the mother figure to Prince Ayyappa.
The most emotional part occurs on the final morning (7th of Makaram, usually Jan 20th or 21st): On this day, the temple is opened only for the Pandalam Pratinidhi. For a few brief minutes, the sanctum is cleared of all priests and officials. It is a private moment between the representative of the “father” and the “son” (Ayyappa). Raja collects Thiruvabharanam from Melshanti & Melshanti with permission of Raja closes the Sreekovil & hands over the keys to Pandala Raja in ritualistic manner.The Pratinidhi then hands the keys back to the Devaswom officials for safekeeping and descends the Holy Pathinettam Padi to begin his trek back to Pandalam, carrying the empty Thiruvabharanam boxes.
This explains the importance, authortiy and rights of Pandala Raja and the Palace in Sabarimala.
Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa