Sabarimala temple opens today

Pathanamthitta, Oct 17 (UNI) The Sabarimala lord Ayyappa temple was opened today for ''Poojas'' in the Malayalam month of 'Thulam'.

The 'Melsanthi' M Sukumaran Nampoothiri opened the sanctum sanctorum and lit the ceremonial lamps. The regular ''poojas'' would commence tomorrow morning with a 'Ganapathi Homam' to be performed by 'Tantri' Kantaru Rajeevaru.

As part of the atonement rituals mandated by ''Devaprasnam'', ''Rigvedajapam and Rigverdarchna would be performed at the 'Sannidhanam' from October 18 to 20. 'Kalabhabhishekam' would be performed from October 18 to 22 and 'Leksharchana' on October 21 and 22.

A 'Sahasra Kalasabhishekam' would be held on October 22. 'Sree Chithira Atta Thirunal' would be celebrated on October 22 and would be closed the same day after the ''Athaza pooja''.

The new 'Melsanthis' for Sabarimala and Malikappuram Devi temple would be selected through draw of lots, which would be held separately at the 'Sopanam' of respective temples. They would assume office on Novermber 17 for a one year term. Two short-lists containing the names of nine aspirants for both temples had been prepared by the Travancore Devaswam Board already.

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