Mandala Puja

Pathanamthitta

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Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

Mandalam Puja is an important ceremony that is followed in the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala. It falls at the conclusion of a 41 days fasting period called Mandala Kalam preceded by the first day of Vrischikam Masam until the 11th/12th day of Dhanu Masam. At this time, worshippers go on strict fasts, become celibate and lead a simple and sacrosanct life. The puja has many rituals such as the wearing of Rudraksha or Tulsi malas, carrying Irumudi (a bundle of cloth containing sacred coconut, rice and ghee) as well as a visit to the Shri Krishna Temple at Guruvayur. It is a very sacred occasion and is said to bring fulfilling of wishes and spiritual cleansing to those who engage in the ritual.