Today marks the peak of the spiritual journey of the millions of Maladharis on this day - Wednesday, January 14, 2026 while the Sabarimala temple is getting ready for the celestial Makarajyothi sighting. The day which marks the end of the 2025-26 pilgrimage season, starting from November 16, 2025, is considered the most powerful and auspicious for Lord Ayyappa’s devotees.
Makarajyothi 2026: Important Dates and Times
The festival is inextricably linked to the solar calendar as well as the Sun entering the Capricorn zodiac.
- Makarajyothi Date: Jan. 14, 2026 (Wednesday).
- Makara Sankranti: 3:13PM on January 14, 2026.
- OBSERVATION: The sacred light of Sankranti shall be viewed three times during the evening of Sankranti after the special Deeparadhana (lamp ritual).
Makarajyothi and Makaravilakku
The difference are what they both mean. Although the terms are frequently applied interchangeably by the public, each of the two refer to two separate spiritual phenomena which take place in the night of the festival:
- Makarajyothi (Sanskrit: Lakeshath): A special bright star (Sirius) shown in the night of the festival from above in the sky. Devotees believe this heavenly light is Lord Ayyappa himself appearing to bless his beloved.
- Makaravilakku: The word is made from Makara (the month) and Vilakku (the lamp). This is meant for the sacred fire which is lit three times at the Ponnambalamedu hill about four kilometers away from the main temple. It is a practice in ancient forest traditions and is a ceremonial gesture of the worshiper being allowed to pray.
The Grand Ritual: Thiruvabharana Pooja
One of the activities the day celebrates is the Thiruvabharanam — the holy gold symbols of Lord Ayyappa. The jewels arrive via a magnificent foot procession from the Pandalam Palace. A special pooja is undertaken at the Sannidhanam with these ornaments. It has been said by legend that a Brahminy Kite (Garuda) circles overhead during this time, a sign from Lord Vishnu, and tells us when the sacred ornaments are going to arrive.
(Significance of the Pilgrimage) Makaravilakku is far more than a festival; it is an act of faith that unites people of diverse backgrounds. For people who have strictly followed the 41-day Vratham (penance), when they see the light at Ponnambalamedu the entire atmosphere will change for them. It strengthens their devotion and represents the victory of moral discipline over worldly demands. Now the air at Sabarimala throbs with a rhythmic chanting of "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" and lakhs of devotees now wait to be met with bated breath to see the illumination from those deities that celebrates their successful journey through the Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.
