About Ayyappa Padi Pooja
What is Ayyappa Padi Pooja?
Ayyappa Padi Pooja is the worship of Lord Ayyappa on a decorated 18-step (padi) altar, with deeparadhana on each step, bhajans and harathi, held by Ayyappa devotees (swamis) during the Mandala season before their Sabarimala yatra.
The 18 steps represent the 18 hills around Sabarimala and the qualities a devotee must cross. A guru swamy or pandit lights camphor on each step while the devotees sing the Ayyappa sharanam; Irumudi kattu (packing the sacred bundle) is often done the same day.
Benefits
- Blessings of Lord Ayyappa for the yatra
- Discipline and devotion of the 41-day vratham
- Peace and protection for the family
When to perform
- Mandala season — Karthika to Makaram (mid-November to January)
- Before leaving for Sabarimala
How Ayyappa Padi Pooja is performed
- Ganapati pooja and sankalpam
- Ayyappa avahanam and abhishekam
- Padi pooja — deeparadhana on each of the 18 steps
- Ayyappa bhajans and sharanam
- Harivarasanam and harathi
- Prasadam
Ayyappa Padi Pooja samagri list
- 18-step padi (wooden or decorated)
- Ayyappa idol or picture
- Camphor, ghee and oil lamps
- Flowers and garlands for 18 steps
- Coconuts and fruits
- Aravana or payasam for prasadam
Do’s and don’ts
✅ Do
- Book early in Mandala season (Nov–Jan)
- Arrange space for the 18 steps (padi)
❌ Avoid
Ayyappa Padi Pooja near you
Read the full guide to Ayyappa Padi Pooja — meaning, vidhi, samagri, best time and cost — or see local details for your city.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Ayyappa Padi Pooja cost?
Ayyappa Padi Pooja with a verified Stuti Mandir pandit starts from ₹8,100 as pandit dakshina, for about 3 to 4 hours (evening). The price can be a little higher outside the metro cities, live video pujas cost less than a home visit, and the full bill is shown before you pay.
When is Padi Pooja done?
During the Mandala season (mid-November to January), usually in the evening before the Sabarimala yatra.
Can you arrange the padi and bhajan team?
Tell us when booking; our pandit can suggest a padi and bhajan group near you.