Sabarimala temple opens for poojas

Pathanamthitta, June 14 (UNI) The Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala was opened for 'Poojas' in the Malayalam month of 'Mithunam' today.

Melsanti M Sukumaran Nampoothiri opened the sanctum sanctorum and lit the ceremonial lamps.

Regular 'Poojas' will begin from tomorrow morning with a 'Ganapathi Homam.' 'Udayasthamana Pooja,' 'padipooja' and 'Pushpabhishekam' will be offered to Lord Ayyappa till June 19.

For the first time in the history of Sabarimala, 'Maharudra Yajnam' will be performed at 'Sannidhanam' on June 18.

The 'Yajnam' will be performed collectively by Tantri Kantaru Mohanaru, Melsanti Sukumaran Nampoothiri, Perumpadappu Rishikesan Nampoothiri, Panthan Damodaran Namoothiri, Cherumukku Vallabhan Somayajippad, Batti Pukkillath Ramanujan Somayajippad and Anjam Krishnan Nampoothiri.

The hill-shrine will be closed on June 19 after 'Athazha Pooja.' UNI XR PMM-- APA1926