Ayyappa Padi Pooja Schedule

The Ayyappa Padi Pooja is a sacred ritual that involves the worship of the 18 holy steps (Pathinettu Padi) at the Sabarimala Temple, Kerala. The steps are considered highly auspicious by devotees of Lord Ayyappa, and they represent different aspects of spiritual and moral elevation. Performing Padi Pooja is seen as a powerful form of worship to Lord Ayyappa, with the devotees expressing their devotion by paying homage to these holy steps.

Padi Pooja at Sabarimala Temple

The Padi Pooja at Sabarimala is a ceremonial offering done at the 18 steps (Pathinettu Padi) of the shrine. These steps hold immense significance and are worshipped as symbols of the obstacles devotees must overcome to reach spiritual enlightenment.
Timings: The Padi Pooja is performed in the evening, typically after the evening Harivarasanam prayer (around 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM) at Sabarimala, depending on the temple schedule. It may vary slightly, and it’s important to check the temple’s daily schedule, especially during the Mandala season (November to January) and Makara Vilakku festival period.

Padi Pooja Schedule in Various Cities

Apart from the Sabarimala Temple, Ayyappa Padi Pooja is also organized in various temples and by Ayyappa devotees across India and abroad during the Mandala Kalam (the 41-day period of Ayyappa Deeksha) and other auspicious times.

Here is the general schedule and key aspects of Padi Pooja:

Location

Padi Pooja is performed in Ayyappa temples across the country, often organized by local Ayyappa Seva Sangams (devotional groups). The major temples in cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, and other regions with significant Ayyappa devotees, will have schedules published locally

Date & Time

Most Padi Poojas are organized during the Mandala Kalam, starting from mid-November and continuing until Makara Sankranti (mid-January), the time when the Sabarimala pilgrimage season is in full swing.
It is typically performed in the evening after the completion of daily rituals in the temple. The exact time may vary, so it is essential to consult the local temple’s schedule.

Padi Pooja Highlights

The 18 steps are decorated with flowers, oil lamps, and offerings. Devotees will gather to witness the ritual with prayers and chanting of “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.”
Bhajans (devotional songs) and Harivarasanam (a lullaby sung for Lord Ayyappa) are an integral part of the ritual.
Padi Pooja is often followed by Annadanam (food distribution) in many places, where devotees are served food as part of the spiritual offering.

Special Padi Poojas

Makara Vilakku Padi Pooja: This is performed during the Makara Vilakku festival, an annual event in January that attracts millions of devotees. It is one of the most important occasions for the Padi Pooja.
Vratham Padi Pooja: Many temples organize this ritual during special vrathams (fasting periods), where devotees who observe Ayyappa Deeksha gather in large numbers to perform or witness the Pooja.

How to Participate

Join Devotional Groups: Joining an DallasAyyappa in your local area can help you stay informed about upcoming Padi Poojas and other religious events related to Lord Ayyappa.