Published Aug 14, 2026 | 3:22 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 14, 2026 | 3:22 PM
Sabarimala temple. (iStock)
Synopsis: The temple will open for darshan at 5 am on 17 August, the first day of Chingam and the Malayalam New Year. From Chingam 1, Padi Pooja will be conducted after the evening Deeparadhana. The Chinga Masa poojas will conclude on August 21, when the temple will close at 10 pm. The temple will reopen on August 24 for Onam-related pujas.
The Sabarimala temple will open on 16 August for the Chinga Masa (Malayalam month Chingam) pujas. Melshanthi Prasad ED will open the sanctum sanctorum of the temple at 5 p.m in the presence of Tanthri Kandarru Brahmadattan, followed by the lighting of the sacred lamp and the lighting of the “aazhi” near the 18 holy steps.
The temple will open for darshan at 5 am on 17 August, the first day of Chingam and the Malayalam New Year.
The selection of the Sabarimala Ulkazhakam, who assists the Melshanthi in puja-related duties, will also be held after the morning Usha Puja on the day.
From Chingam 1, Padi Pooja will be conducted after the evening Deeparadhana. The Chinga Masa poojas will conclude on August 21, when the temple will close at 10 pm. The temple will reopen on August 24 for Onam-related pujas.
Devotees planning to visit Sabarimala for the Chinga Masa poojas should reserve darshan slots through the virtual queue system here.
#Kerala : Sabarimala temple to open on August 16 for Chinga Masa pooja
The #Sabarimala temple will open on August 16 for the Chinga Masa pujas. (Malayalam month Chingam).
Melshanthi Prasad E.D. will open the sanctum sanctorum of the temple at 5 p.m in the presence of Tanthri… pic.twitter.com/cPGU6ccJU7
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) August 14, 2026
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The KSRTC will operate special bus services to and from Pampa from August 16 to 28 in connection with the Chingamasa Pooja and Onam Pooja at Sabarimala.
Services will be operated from major centres including Thiruvananthapuram, Chengannur, Pathanamthitta, Kottarakkara, Erumeli and Punalur, based on passenger demand.
Special arrangements have also been made to operate buses between Chengannur railway station and Pampa according to the arrival of trains and the rush of devotees.
Additional services will be operated from Pampa to Chengannur as required. Extensive Nilakkal-Pampa chain services will also be available for pilgrims.
KSRTC has introduced advance booking for buses from the Thiruvananthapuram Central Depot.
Additional buses will be deployed from nearby units on days when the rush increases, with services being adjusted based on passenger demand.
For assistance, pilgrims can contact the KSRTC Pampa units at 0473-5203445, 9497024092, Chengannur at 9188933750, and Pathanamthitta at 9188933744.
The 24-hour KSRTC control room can be reached at 9447071021 or 0471-2463799.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
