In short: The Sabarimala temple opens at 4 pm on Monday, 16 November 2026, and the 41-day Mandala season starts on 17 November. On 13 November the Travancore Devaswom Board said virtual queue pilgrims get Rs 2 lakh accident cover and 50 lakh aravana tins are ready.
| Temple opens | 4 pm, Monday 16 November 2026 |
|---|---|
| Mandala season | 41 days, starting 17 November 2026 |
| Accident cover | Rs 2 lakh for virtual queue darshan bookings; valid the day before, the day of and the day after the booked date |
| Aravana stock | 50 lakh tins in reserve; production of 3.5 lakh tins a day |
| Prasadam counters | 22 aravana counters (5 newly added) and 5 bank kiosks (reported) |
| New option | Aravana by post for devotees who ask for it |
| Announced by | TDB President K Jayakumar, Thiruvananthapuram, 13 November 2026 |
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has confirmed that the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple will open at 4 pm on Monday, 16 November 2026, ahead of the Mandala–Makaravilakku season. Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram on 13 November, TDB President K Jayakumar said devotees who book darshan through the virtual queue will get Rs 2 lakh accident insurance, and that 50 lakh tins of aravana prasadam are in reserve, PTI reported.
Our earlier report covered the Sabari portal, KSRTC buses from Chengannur and the daily booking limit. Read our earlier report: Sabarimala Season from 17 Nov: Sabari Portal, Buses, Slots.
Rs 2 lakh accident cover for virtual queue pilgrims
According to the TDB, every pilgrim who books darshan through the virtual queue is covered by an accident insurance scheme worth Rs 2 lakh. The cover runs for three days: the day before the booked darshan date, the darshan day itself and the day after. Nominee details are taken at the time of booking, so keep the name of a family member ready when you book.
The reports we checked did not give full details on whether spot booking pilgrims get the same cover. Please check with the TDB counter or the official booking site before you travel.
Aravana and appam: stock, counters and postal delivery
- Stock: 50 lakh aravana tins are in reserve, and the board says it can make 3.5 lakh tins a day. About 10 lakh packets of appam are expected to meet demand.
- Counters: Malayalam Daily News reported 22 aravana counters this season, including 5 newly added, run by Dhanlaxmi Bank (19) and South Indian Bank (3), plus 5 South Indian Bank kiosks.
- By post: A postal delivery service will send aravana to devotees who want it. The full process and charges were not given in the reports.
- Payment: Digital payment is preferred, but cash will also be accepted (reported).
Parking, seating and other arrangements
- Parking will be allowed at Chakkupalam near Pamba during the season.
- Stainless steel seats have been put up along the trekking route for pilgrims to rest.
- Coolers will be fitted in the German pandal at Nilakkal, which seats about 6,000 people.
- About 110 tonnes of waste has been cleared from Sabarimala and nearby areas, the board said.
- Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan said he was satisfied with the preparations so far.
What this means for yatris
- If you plan darshan in the first days of the season, book your virtual queue slot early. The insurance cover comes with the booking.
- Add a nominee while booking, and carry your booking printout or phone copy along with a photo ID.
- The board says there should be no shortage of aravana this season, so there is no need to buy large amounts on the first day.
- If you drive, note that parking is allowed at Chakkupalam near Pamba. Follow police directions on the day, as rules can change with the crowd.
- For help planning a South India temple yatra, call or WhatsApp us on +91 78178 98687 or send a WhatsApp message.
Related guides and yatras
- Sabarimala opening dates guide
- Famous temples in Kerala
- Guruvayur temple guide
- Padmanabhaswamy temple guide
- All Yatra Updates
More yatra updates
Frequently asked questions
When does Sabarimala open for the Mandala season in 2026?
The temple opens at 4 pm on Monday, 16 November 2026. The 41-day Mandala season begins the next day, 17 November 2026.
Who gets the Rs 2 lakh insurance at Sabarimala?
The TDB says pilgrims who book darshan through the virtual queue get Rs 2 lakh accident cover. It is valid for the day before, the day of and the day after the booked darshan date.
Do I need to pay extra for the insurance?
The reports we checked did not mention any extra charge. Nominee details are collected when you book the virtual queue slot.
Can I get Sabarimala aravana by post?
Yes. The TDB says a postal delivery service will send aravana to devotees who ask for it. Full details on how to order and the charges have not been shared yet.
Where can I park my vehicle near Pamba?
The board says parking is allowed at Chakkupalam near Pamba this season. Large crowds may bring changes, so follow police and TDB directions on the day.
Sources
- PTI via ThePrint – Devotees need not worry about Aravana supply, 50 lakh tins in reserve: TDB president (13 November 2026)
- Malayalam Daily News – Preparations Enter Final Stage for Sabarimala Mandala Season Pilgrimage; Smooth Darshan Assured with 22 Aravana Counters and Rs 2 Lakh Insurance for Virtual Queue Devotees (13 November 2026)
- Sabarimala Uptodate – 50 Lakh Aravana Tins, 22 Prasadam Distribution Counters at Sabarimala (13 November 2026)
