Sabarimala temple opens for ten-day festival

Pathanamthitta, Kerala, Apr 1 (UNI) The Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple was opened today for the ten-day annual festival in connection with the 'Vishu' and the monthly 'poojas' in the Malayalam month of 'Medam.' Melsanthi M Sukumaran Nampoothiri opened the sanctum sanctorum at 1730 hrs and lighted the ceremonial lamps. The rituals will begin tomorrow with a 'Ganapathi Homam.' Tantri Kantaru Mohanaru performed the purification rites to prepare the presiding deity for the festival as hundreds of pilgrims thronged 'Sannidhanam' to witness the unique events. He will hoist the festival flag tomorrow.

The 'Utsavabali' will be held from April three to ten. The presiding deity will be taken out in a procession to Saramkuthy on April ten for 'Pallivetta.' The 'Vishukkani Darshan' is slated for April 14 morning. The temple will be closed at 2200 hrs on April 18.

UNI XR PMM GM SB PC2010