Sabarimala Makaravilakku 2026 Date: Makara Jyoti Time, Viewing Locations, Significance & More

Makaravilakku 2026 will be observed on Wednesday, January 14, at the sacred Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. The day coincides with Makar Sankranti and will be the end of the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage season, one of the largest religious gatherings in India.

The main highlight of Makaravilakku is the appearance of the Makara Jyoti, a sacred flame witnessed on Ponnambalamedu hill, located around 4 km from the Sabarimala shrine. The event draws lakhs of devotees from across the country each year.

The Sabarimala pilgrimage this year began on 16th November with Mandala Pooja Mahotsavam and will conclude on Jan 14.

Makaravilakku 2026: Date and Time

Makara Vilakku: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Makara Vilakku Sankranti Moment: 3:13 pm IST
Makar Sankranti: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

According to traditional belief, the Makara Jyoti becomes visible after the Sankranti moment, and devotees usually witness the sacred light three times on the evening of Makaravilakku.

What Is Makaravilakku?

Makaravilakku refers to the sacred flame that appears on Ponnambalamedu, believed by devotees to signify divine presence associated with the worship of Lord Ayyappa. For pilgrims, seeing the Makara Jyoti is considered the spiritual culmination of the 41-day vratham observed before visiting Sabarimala.

Best Viewing Points for Makaravilakku 2026

Devotees can witness Makaravilakku from multiple vantage points around Sabarimala. Key locations include:

• Sannidhanam: This is the temple premises and is usually most crowded.
• Ponnambalamedu Hill
• Saramkuthi
• Pandalam Palace route
• Malikappuram
• Pampa
• Kalaketti

Crowds are heaviest at Sannidhanam, which is the temple premises, and devotees are advised to reach early to get better visibility and access.

Key Rituals and Timings

The Thiruvabharanam procession, carrying the sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa, begins from Pandalam on the evening of January 13. The Makara Jyoti appears three times after 3:13 pm on January 14. Special poojas and rituals continue until January 15. The arrival of Thiruvabharanam at Sabarimala is regarded as an important ritual leading up to Makaravilakku.