Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
Thiruvabharanam processionശബരിമല ശ്രീ ധർമ്മശാസ്താ ക്ഷേത്രം
Pathanamthitta · Lord Ayyappa (Dharma Sastha)
View on Google Maps| Deity | Lord Ayyappa (Dharma Sastha) |
| District | Pathanamthitta, Kerala (Periyar Tiger Reserve) |
| Procession start | ~January 12 each year (Pandalam) |
| Procession distance | 83 km on foot |
| Makaravilakku date | January 14 (1st of Malayalam month Makaram) |
| Ornaments kept at | Srambickal Palace, Pandalam Palace premises |
What is Thiruvabharanam?
Thiruvabharanam (sacred ornaments) refers to the divine jewellery of Lord Ayyappa, which is housed year-round at the Srambickal Palace within the Pandalam Palace premises in Pathanamthitta district. According to tradition, these ornaments were commissioned by the Pandalam King who adopted Ayyappan as his son.
Each year, the ornaments are carried in a ceremonial procession from Pandalam to the Sabarimala Sannidhanam — a journey of 83 km on foot through the Western Ghats — arriving in time for the Makaravilakku festival on January 14.
The three sacred caskets
The procession carries three caskets: the Thiruvabharana Petti (containing the ornaments themselves), the Velli Petti (silver vessels), and the Kodi Petti (ceremonial flag).
The ornament casket contains: the golden face mask of Lord Ayyappa, miniature figures of the tiger and elephant (the deity's vahanas), the Sarapoli Mala, Velakku Mala, Mani Mala, and Erukkum Poomala, a Navaratna ring, swords, and silver arrows. These are not listed for their material value — they are sacred objects whose significance is devotional, not commercial.
The 83 km procession
The Thiruvabharanam procession departs Pandalam approximately three days before Makaravilakku (around January 11–12). It travels on foot through named halt points including the Ayroor Puthiyakavu Devi temple, Kaipuzha, Kulanada, Cherukol Subrahmanya temple, Pampadimon Ayyappa shrine, and the Mangattu Palace, before ascending to Sabarimala.
The Pandalam Raja never travels with the procession — the royal family nominates a representative. The ornaments arrive at the Sannidhanam on the evening of January 14, and the Tantri and Melsanthi adorn the deity before the deeparadhana.
The Krishnaparunthu tradition
Integral to the Thiruvabharanam procession is the sighting of the Krishnaparunthu (brahminy kite), believed by devotees to be a manifestation of Garuda, Vishnu's vahana. Devotees believe the bird appears circling overhead at the procession's departure from Pandalam and again at its arrival at Sabarimala, marking divine acceptance of the ornaments.
This belief is central to the devotional experience of the Makaravilakku festival and is documented in multiple Kerala news sources covering the annual event.