Introduction
Sabarimala, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, stands as one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage destinations dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Each year, millions of devotees follow centuries-old rituals including the 41-day Vratham, forest trekking, and climbing the 18 sacred steps to seek blessings.
The 2026–27 season is expected to continue the Virtual Q Token system introduced to manage crowd flow and ensure safety during high-traffic periods.
This guide explains everything devotees need to know for the 2026–27 pilgrimage including Virtual Q booking, expected dates, Vratham rules, travel, accommodation, and FAQs.
ALSO READ – TOP DEVI TEMPLES IN INDIA: SHAKTI PEETHS YOU MUST VISIT
Virtual Queue Token Booking for 2026–27
The Virtual Queue Token system provides a scheduled darshan slot to reduce congestion during Mandala and Makaravilakku seasons.
Expected Booking Timeline (2026–27)
| Phase | Expected Period |
|---|---|
| Booking Window Opens | October–November 2026 |
| Mandala Pooja Begins | Mid-November 2026 |
| Makaravilakku | 14 January 2027 |
| Season Concludes | Late January 2027 |
Official notifications are usually released 30–45 days before Mandala season.
How to Book Virtual Q Token (Step-by-Step Guide)
Devotees must book tickets through the official Sabarimala Online Services Portal.
Steps to Book
- Visit the official booking portal:
<a href=”https://sabarimalaonline.org” target=”_blank”>https://sabarimalaonline.org</a> - Sign up or log into your account
- Select darshan date and time slot
- Enter devotee information (name, age, gender, ID proof)
- Confirm booking and download the QR Virtual Q Token
- Carry token and valid government ID upon entry
Peak days such as weekends and Makaravilakku may fill quickly due to high volumes.
Eligibility & Entry Policies
Women’s Entry Policy
Women aged 10–50 have traditionally been restricted due to the celibate form of Lord Ayyappa. Though the Supreme Court ruled in favor of entry, practical implementation varies based on administrative and social conditions.
Non-Hindu Devotees
Entry is generally restricted to those observing Vratham and participating in the pilgrimage. Exceptions may apply in specific cases.
Prohibited Items
The following items are not permitted inside the temple complex:
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Leather products
- Cameras beyond designated zones
- Plastic disposables
ALSO READ – TOP VISHNU TEMPLES IN SOUTH INDIA: DIVINE ABODES OF LORD NARAYANA
The 41-Day Ayyappa Vratham
The Vratham begins with devotees wearing a mala and adhering to strict discipline for 41 days prior to their pilgrimage.
Purpose of Vratham
- Mental and physical purification
- Spiritual discipline
- Preparation for trekking and darshan
Vratham Regulations
- Celibacy
- Vegetarian Sattvic diet
- Abstinence from alcohol and tobacco
- Daily rituals and chanting of Ayyappa hymns
- Wearing black or blue attire
- Commitment to humility and non-violence
Duration Significance
The 41-day period corresponds to a full lunar cycle used in yogic traditions for conditioning the mind.
Pilgrimage Route & Trek Information
Primary Trek Route
Pamba to Sannidhanam (approximately 4–5 km through hilly forest terrain)
Additional Access Points
- Nilakkal (Vehicle Base Camp)
- Erumely (Traditional Route)
Footwear is not permitted beyond identified checkpoints.
Travel & Accommodation
Nearest Airport
Cochin International Airport (approx. 125 km)
Nearest Rail Station
Chengannur (approx. 100 km)
Accommodation Options
- Devaswom guest houses
- Dormitories at Pamba & Nilakkal
- Private lodges and hotels
Advance booking is recommended during festival dates.
Key Festivals and Dates for 2026–27
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Mandala Pooja | December 2026 |
| Makaravilakku | 14 January 2027 |
| Vishu | 14 April 2027 |
Makara Vilakku draws the highest number of pilgrims and features the traditional Makara Jyothi sighting.
Safety & Environmental Guidelines
- Follow Devaswom Board and forest regulations
- Avoid littering and using plastic
- Carry refillable water containers
- Respect wildlife and nature zones
How to Book Sabarimala Virtual Q Token (2026–27)
Step-by-step instructions for booking the Virtual Q Token for Sabarimala darshan during the 2026–27 season through the official online portal.
- Visit the official portal
-
Login or Register
Create an account or log in using mobile number or email.
-
Select Darshan Slot
Choose date and time from available slots.
-
Enter Devotee Details
Add name, age, gender, and ID proof details.
-
Confirm Booking
Confirm booking to generate QR Virtual Q Token.
-
Carry Token & ID
Show the token and a valid government ID at entry.
FAQ HINDI
1. वर्चुअल क्यू बुकिंग कब शुरू होगी?
संभावित रूप से अक्टूबर–नवंबर 2026 में। आधिकारिक घोषणा लंबित है।
2. क्या वर्चुअल क्यू टोकन अनिवार्य है?
भीड़ वाले समय में यह अनिवार्य हो जाता है, विशेषकर मकरविलक्कु के दौरान।
3. क्या बिना टोकन प्रवेश मिल सकता है?
पीक दिनों में बिना टोकन प्रवेश रोक दिया जा सकता है।
4. वर्चुअल क्यू टोकन की कीमत कितनी है?
आमतौर पर निःशुल्क होता है। बदलाव आधिकारिक अधिसूचना के अनुसार।
5. क्या 41 दिन का व्रत अनिवार्य है?
धार्मिक रूप से महत्वपूर्ण है पर कानूनी रूप से अनिवार्य नहीं है।
6. व्रत कब शुरू किया जाता है?
आमतौर पर दर्शन से 41 दिन पहले।
7. व्रत में भोजन के क्या नियम हैं?
सात्त्विक शाकाहारी भोजन, बिना प्याज, लहसुन, शराब, तंबाकू आदि।
8. क्या 10–50 वर्ष की महिलाएँ प्रवेश कर सकती हैं?
कानूनी रूप से अनुमति है, व्यवहार में स्थिति बदलती रहती है।
9. क्या बच्चों के लिए भी टोकन चाहिए?
हाँ, सभी भक्तों के लिए अलग पंजीकरण आवश्यक है।
10. क्या गैर-हिंदू प्रवेश कर सकते हैं?
परंपरागत रूप से प्रवेश व्रत रखने वाले भक्तों तक सीमित होता है।
11. सबरीमला का ट्रेक कितना कठिन है?
मध्यम कठिनाई स्तर। बुजुर्गों के लिए तैयारी सलाहनीय है।
12. पंबा से मंदिर तक दूरी कितनी है?
लगभग 4–5 किलोमीटर।
13. क्या रास्ते में मेडिकल सुविधा उपलब्ध है?
हाँ, तीर्थ सीजन में कैंप लगाए जाते हैं।
14. क्या कैमरा ले जा सकते हैं?
कुछ क्षेत्रों के बाद फोटोग्राफी प्रतिबंधित होती है।
15. सबसे नज़दीकी हवाईअड्डा कौन सा है?
कोचीन अंतर्राष्ट्रीय हवाईअड्डा (लगभग 125 किमी)।
16. सबसे नज़दीकी रेलवे स्टेशन कौन सा है?
चेंगन्नूर रेलवे स्टेशन (लगभग 100 किमी)।
17. क्या चप्पल पहनकर ट्रेक कर सकते हैं?
पंबा तक अनुमति है, आगे नहीं।
18. क्या निलक्कल में रुकने की सुविधा है?
हाँ, छात्रावास व निजी लॉज उपलब्ध हैं।
19. मकरविलक्कु क्या है?
जनवरी में मनाया जाने वाला प्रमुख त्योहार जिसमें मकर ज्योति का दर्शन होता है।
20. आधिकारिक अपडेट कहाँ मिल सकते हैं?
देवास्वोम बोर्ड और सबरीमला ऑनलाइन पोर्टल पर।
FAQ ENGLISH
1. When will Virtual Q Booking open for 2026–27?
Expected between October–November 2026. Official notice pending.
2. Is Virtual Q Token mandatory?
Mandatory during peak crowd periods such as Mandala and Makaravilakku.
3. Can I visit without a Virtual Q Token?
Entry without a token may be restricted or denied during peak dates.
4. How much does the Virtual Q Token cost?
Usually free. Subject to updates from the Devaswom Board.
5. Is the 41-day Vratham compulsory?
It is traditional and strongly recommended but not legally compulsory.
6. When should devotees begin Vratham?
Typically 41 days before their chosen darshan date.
7. What food is allowed during Vratham?
A sattvic vegetarian diet without onion, garlic, alcohol, or tobacco.
8. Are women aged 10–50 allowed at Sabarimala?
Legally permitted but implementation varies; restrictions may apply.
9. Do children need Virtual Q Tokens?
Yes, every devotee must register for a slot including children.
10. Can non-Hindus visit Sabarimala?
Entry is traditionally limited to those observing Vratham.
11. How difficult is the Sabarimala trek?
Moderate difficulty; elderly devotees should prepare in advance.
12. What is the distance from Pamba to Sannidhanam?
Approximately 4–5 km via forest and hill terrain.
13. Is medical assistance available en route?
Yes, medical camps are established during the pilgrimage season.
14. Are cameras permitted?
Restricted beyond specified points near the sanctum.
15. Which airport is closest to Sabarimala?
Cochin International Airport (approx. 125 km).
16. Which railway station is closest?
Chengannur Railway Station (approx. 100 km).
17. Can footwear be worn on the trek?
Permitted until Pamba; removed beyond designated points.
18. Is accommodation available at Nilakkal?
Yes, dormitory and private lodging options are available.
19. What is Makara Vilakku?
A major festival observed in January featuring the Makara Jyothi sighting.
20. How can devotees stay updated on announcements?
Through official websites and Devaswom Board bulletins.
Sources
Conclusion
The Sabarimala pilgrimage remains rooted in discipline and devotion. The 2026–27 season is expected to maintain both tradition and enhancements such as the Virtual Q system for organized darshan. Devotees are encouraged to begin preparations early and await official booking announcements.
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.
1 Comment
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