One of the most significant moments at Sabarimala is the Makara Jyothi celebration, usually held on January 14th. The highlight is the arrival of Thiruvabharanam, the sacred jewels gifted by the Pandalam king, which journey to Sabarimala in three special boxes.
The journey begins two days before Makara Jyothi day, with the Thiruvabharanam box, a cherished possession of the Pandalam royal family, making its way from Pandalam. The carrier, in a trance-like dance, passes through various temples and locations, including Valiakoikkal Sastha Temple, Ayiroor Puthia Kavu Temple, Perunattil Temple, Vlakkai, Nilaikkal Siva Temple, Vellachimala, Pamba, and Sabari Peedam before reaching Sannidhanam around 6.00 PM on Makara Jyothi day. Interestingly, a Garuda, a mythical bird, hovers above the Thiruvabharanam boxes, seemingly guarding them.
Upon reaching Sannidhanam, amidst the chanting of ‘Saranam Ayyappa’ by millions of devotees, the Melshanthi and Thandhri receive the sacred jewels. The Thiruvabharanam box holds treasures like a diamond crown, golden bracelets, necklaces, and a sword, which are adorned on the Lord by the priests during the Arathi ceremony.
Makara Jyothi 2024 Date & Time
Makaravilakku Sankranti auspicious time 08.57 pm (16 January 2024)
Makar Jyothi’s timing will be seen between 06.00 PM to 08.00 PM (14 January 2024)
Makara Jyothi 2024 Rituals And Ceremony
- Makaravilakku is a religious ritual initiated by the Malayarai tribe in the ancient past.
- The Malayarai tribe, believed to be descendants of Malayaman, has conducted the Makaravilakku festival in the forests of Ponnambalam du for centuries.
- Records indicate that the temple in Ponnambalam, where Makaravilakku appears, remains closed to the public as it is under the control of the Kerala Forest Department.
- The tribe performs rituals in this temple only when the Sirius Star is visible in the sky on Makaram I.
- During the festival, aarti is performed at the Sabarimala temple by circling a lamp, mixed with camphor and ghee, around the idol.
- The fire called Makara Jyoti is lit in the Sabarimala temple, but according to religious texts, the real Makaravilakku is the fire lit in Ponnabalamedu.
- The lamp lit during Deeparadhana (Aarti) in the temple is specifically known as Makaravilakku.
- Makar Jyoti is a star that appears on January 14 or 15, coinciding with Makar Sankranti.
- On Makar Sankranti, a large number of pilgrims gather at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala to perform worship rituals.
- It is believed that Lord Ayyappan incarnates in the form of Makara Jyoti during this celestial event to bless his devotees.
Makara Jyothi is Belongs to Lord Rama
- Lord Shri Ram and Lakshman encounter a tribal devotee named Sabarimala in mythology.
- Sabari, the devoted tribal, offers Lord Shri Ram each berry after tasting it herself, and he accepts them wholeheartedly.
- The celebration of this incident takes place annually on Makaravilakku Day.
- The Makaravilakku festival spans seven days and sees enthusiastic participation from devotees each year.
- Many devotees, including the general public, stay at the Sabarimala temple throughout the festival.
- The festival concludes with the Kuru Thi puja, marking the end of the Makaravilakku celebrations.
How is Makara Jyothi celebrated in Kerala?
Makara Vilakku takes center stage at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, India, coinciding with Makara Sankranti. This vibrant festival is a grand affair, featuring the offering of sacred ornaments to Lord Ayyappan, a lively procession, and a gathering at the hill shrine of Sabarimala. Devotees of Lord Ayyappa come together in full fervor to celebrate this auspicious occasion.
As the 2023 celebrations unfold, thousands of devotees have already flocked to the Sabarimala temple.
Importance of Makar Jyothi 2024?
Makar Jyoti symbolizes the Sun’s transition from Sagittarius to Capricorn, marking the start of its northward journey known as ‘Uttarayan.’ This journey celebrated as a day for the gods, culminates on 14th July (Karka Sankranti), with the Sun traveling southward, termed as ‘Dakshinayan,’ from July to January, considered a night in Hinduism. The celestial dance reflects the cyclical nature of time and holds profound significance in Hindu beliefs.
Makara Jyothi 2024 Panchang
- Sunrise (Suryodayam): 06:54 AM
- Sunset (Suryastma): 05:45 PM
- Moonrise (Chandrod ke bare meinayam): 09:59 AM
- Moonset (Chandrastama): 10:00 AM
Today’s Panchangam:
- Tithi: Panchami until 02:16 AM on January 16, then Shashthi
- Nakshatra: Shatabhisha until 08:07 AM, then Purva Bhadrapada until 06:10 AM on January 16, followed by Uttara Bhadrapada
- Yoga: Bava until 03:35 PM, then Balava until 02:16 AM on January 16, then Kaulava
- Karana: Variyana until 11:11 PM, then Parigha
- Weekday: Somawara (Monday)
- Paksha: Shukla Paksha
Makara Jyothi 2024 Samvat
- Shaka Samvat: 1945 Shobhakrit
- Chandramasa: Pausha
- Purnimanta Pausha – Amanta
- Vikram Samvat: 2080 Nata
- Gujarati Samvat: 2080 Rakshasa
Makara Jyothi 2024 Shubh Muhurat
- Abhijit: 11:58 AM to 12:41 PM
- Amrit Kalam: 10:49 PM to 12:17 AM on January 16
