Makara Jyothi Darshan at Sabarimala

The Makara Jyothi appeared to devotees at Sabarimala, the famous pilgrimage site in Kerala. A large number of Ayyappa devotees, who had gathered for Makara Sankranti, witnessed the divine light and were immersed in devotion. The Makara Jyothi appeared three times from the Ponnambalamedu hill, located about 4 kilometers from the Sannidhanam (sanctum sanctorum), filling the Sabari hills with the chants of "Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa."

The sighting of this Makara Jyothi, which appears at an altitude of approximately 3,838 feet above sea level, is considered a most sacred event for Ayyappa devotees. During the darshan of the Jyothi, devotees performed rituals and bhajans, creating a spiritual atmosphere. Lakhs of devotees arrived at Sabarimala for the Makara Jyothi.

Temple authorities stated that a special darshan with the divine ornaments will be held for Lord Ayyappa on January 19th, and after special pujas on January 20th, the temple will be closed. This annual festival marks the conclusion of the Makara Sankranti celebrations.