Makaravilakku
MalayalamAlso known as: Makar Sankranti, Makara Vilakku
Makaravilakku
About Makaravilakku
Makaravilakku is celebrated on Makar Sankranti day (January 14) at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala, marking the divine light that appeared on the hills.
The festival is the culmination of the 41-day Mandala Kalam pilgrimage, with millions of Ayyappa devotees converging at Sabarimala.
The celestial light (Makaravilakku) is believed to appear on the Ponnambalamedu hills near the temple, though its exact nature remains a mystery.
Devotees who observed the 41-day vratham break their fast on this day, completing their spiritual journey.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Ayyappa devotees complete their 41-day vratham and break their fast on this day.
- Complete the 41-day Mandala Kalam vratham.
- Visit Sabarimala for the final darshan.
- Witness the Makaravilakku on the Ponnambalamedu hills.
- Break the fast with the temple prasad.
Parana (Breaking Fast) Note: The 41-day vratham is broken after witnessing the Makaravilakku.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Carry the Irumudi to Sabarimala with devotion.
- Offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa at the temple.
- Witness the Makaravilakku on the hills.
- Break the fast with the temple prasad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A celestial light believed to appear on the Ponnambalamedu hills near Sabarimala on Makar Sankranti day, marking the divine presence of Lord Ayyappa.
The Mandala Kalam is a 41-day period of fasting, penance, and spiritual discipline observed by Ayyappa devotees.
Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.
Recommended Pages
Comprehensive annual Hindu calendar with tithis and festivals.
Detailed month-wise view of lunar tithis and celestial events.
Marathi Panchang and festive dates for the year.
Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar and festivals.
Telugu calendar and festive Panchangam details.
Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.