Sabarimala stands as one of India’s most historically significant pilgrimage destinations, and in line with long-standing traditions, the Virtual-Q system ensures orderly crowd governance while leveraging modern digital infrastructure. The platform allows pilgrims to pre-schedule their darshan slots, streamline movement on the traditional routes, and uphold the sanctity of the annual Mandala–Makaravilakku season.
Virtual-Q Ticket Price
✔ Darshan Virtual-Q Ticket: Free of Cost
The Kerala Police and Travancore Devaswom Board operate the system at zero charge to ensure accessible crowd management.
Prasadam Price List (Optional Add-Ons)
| Prasadam | Unit Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Aravana Payasam | 100 |
| Appam | 45 |
| Abhishekam Ghee | 100 |
| Manjal & Kumkum | 50 |
| Vibhoothi | 30 |
Internet Charges: ₹10 per transaction (only for Prasadam bookings).
Key Compliance Requirements
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Pilgrims must report 3 hours earlier than the selected slot.
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Mandatory original ID proof must match the booking.
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Follow the traditional dress code and customary pilgrimage practices.
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Children below the permissible age limit must follow Devaswom Board guidelines.
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Adhere to route-based movement and crowd-flow instructions issued on-ground.
Strategic Booking Recommendations
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Evening slots generally exhibit higher availability and faster throughput.
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For group travel, align all pilgrim details before initiating the booking to avoid system timeouts.
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Pre-booking prasadam ensures optimized time management at Sannidhanam.
Sabarimala Daily Pooja Timings (IST)
| Pooja / Ritual | Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| Opening of Sanctum Sanctorum, Nirmalyam, Abhishekam | 3:00 AM |
| Ganapati Homam | 3:30 AM |
| Neyyabhishekam | 3:30 AM – 7:00 AM |
| Usha Pooja | From 7:30 AM |
| Neyyabhishekam | 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Neyyabhishekam (Using ghee deposited in ‘Ney Thoni’) | 11:10 AM |
| Ashtabhishekam (15 Nos.) | 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM |
| Ucha Pooja | 12:30 PM |
| Closing of Sanctum Sanctorum | 1:00 PM |
Evening Session
| Pooja / Ritual | Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| Opening of Sanctum Sanctorum | 3:00 PM |
| Deeparadhana | 6:30 PM |
| Pushpabhishekam | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Athazha Pooja | From 9:30 PM |
| Harivarasanam / Closing of Sanctum Sanctorum | 11:00 PM |
Sabarimala Temple Key Highlights
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Completed | 11th century; the temple site is older |
| Deity | Dharmasastha’s yogic avatar as Ayyappan |
| District | Pathanamthitta |
| Elevation | 1,260 m (4,134 ft) |
| Location | Sabarimala |
| Status | Only open during certain occasions |
Sabarimala Overview
| Section | Overview |
|---|---|
| Sabarimala Temple | Situated on a plateau 40 ft above ground, the shrine features a gold-plated sanctum sanctorum, spacious mandapams, balikkalpura, kodimaram, and the revered 18 sacred steps. |
| Sannidhanam | Also known as the divine abode of Lord Ayyappa; includes a gold-plated sanctum, twin mandapams, balipeedam, balikkalpura, and a gold-plated flag post, all positioned on a 40-ft-high plateau. |
| Pathinettampadi (18 Sacred Steps) | Holds deep symbolic meaning—interpreted as representing jeevathmas & paramathmas, senses & dhatus, or the 18 worlds, puranas, and weapons associated with Lord Ayyappa. |
| Malikappurathamma | The prime sub-deity of Sabarimala. Pilgrims offer prayers here after descending the 18 steps. The Guruthi ritual for Bhadrakali during Makaravilakku is a key highlight. |
| Manimandapam | Sacred site where Lord Ayyappa meditated after defeating the Marava Army. One of the three tantric circles worshipped by Him is believed to be located here. |
| Kadutha Swami (Valiya & Kochu Kadutha) | Two shrines honour the legendary warriors who served in Ayyappa’s army. Valiya Kadutha was the chief of the Pandalam army; Kochu Kadutha was trained at the Inchipara Kalari. |
| Pamba | Revered as Dakshina Bhagirathi; the river is spiritually linked with the discovery of infant Manikandan by the Pandalam King and holds deep religious significance for pilgrims. |
| Vavar Swami | Symbol of interfaith harmony. Ayyappa’s loyal companion, worshipped at the Vavar Mosque in Erumeli, where pilgrims offer prayers before trekking to Sabarimala. |
| Thazhamon Madom | The traditional Tantri family of Sabarimala. Origin traces to Brahmin priests invited by the Pandalam Royal Family; recognized among Kerala’s earliest tantric lineages. |
The Sabarimala Virtual-Q system enables a structured, pilgrim-centric journey that honors age-old traditions while utilizing modern infrastructure. With zero-cost ticketing and transparent add-on pricing, the platform offers a seamless booking experience designed for operational efficiency and crowd safety.
Help Line – Contact Directory
| Department / Office | Contact Number(s) |
|---|---|
| Emergency Operation Center | 04735 202166 |
| Pamba | 04735 203255 |
| Nilakkal | 04735 205002 |
| Pathanamthitta District Disaster Management Authority | 0468 2322515 |
| Pamba Police Station | 04735 203412 |
| Nilakkal Police Station | 04735 205207 |
| Sannidhanam Police Station | 04735 202014 |
| Pathanamthitta Vanitha Police Station | 0468 2272100 |
| Pathanamthitta N&P Office | 0468 2222636 |
| Emergency Medical Center, Control Room | 04735 203232 |
| Nilakkal Medical Assistance | 04735 205202 |
| Pathanamthitta District Medical Officer (Health) | 9188746248 |
| Sannidhanam Medical Office | 04735 202101 |
| Forest Department | 94000 44991, 95623 18181, 0468 2222426 (Office) |
| Sabarimala Special Officer, Pamba | 04735 203033 |
| Water Resources Department | 04735 202074 |









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It is one of the largest annual pilgrimage sites in the world, with an estimate of over 10 to 15 million devotees visiting every year.
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The shrine of Sabarimala is an ancient temple. It is believed that the prince of Pandalam dynasty, an avatar of Ayyappan, meditated at Sabarimala temple and became one with the divine.
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Book ticket for Free. No need to pay any charges