**Sabarimala Temple to Reopen for Monthly Poojas on October 17**
*By Snehil Singh | October 15, 2025, 6:47 PM*
The renowned Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple, located in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, is set to reopen for monthly poojas beginning October 17. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has announced that the temple doors will be ceremoniously opened by chief priest Arun Kumar Namboothiri at 4:00 PM on Friday. Joining him for the opening ceremony will be head priest Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru.
**Temple Schedule and Events**
The temple will officially open for darshan at 5:00 AM on October 18, which coincides with the first day of the Malayalam month, Thulam. On the morning of October 18, a draw will take place at Sannidhanam to select the melshanthies (chief priests) for Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples for the upcoming year.
Additionally, President Droupadi Murmu is expected to visit the temple on October 22, marking the final day of the monthly poojas.
**Special Arrangements During President’s Visit**
The TDB is making comprehensive arrangements for President Murmu’s visit, which will include certain restrictions on devotees visiting the temple on October 22. Moreover, the Sree Chithira Attathirunal festival is scheduled to be celebrated at Sannidhanam on October 21.
**Context**
The reopening for the monthly poojas comes at a time when the temple is under the spotlight due to an ongoing political controversy involving alleged irregularities related to the gold-plating at Sabarimala.
Devotees and visitors are advised to stay informed about any changes in protocols, especially during the President’s visit.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/sabarimala-temple-to-open-for-pilgrimage-on-october-17/story