Chariot procession carrying 'Thanki Anki' begins

Pathanamthitta, Dec 23 (UNI) In an atmosphere charged with religious fervour, the chariot procession carrying the 'Thanka Anki' (golden attire) of Lord Ayyappa set off to Sabarimala Temple from Aranmula Parthasarathi Temple today.

The 'Thanka Anki" weighing 420 sovereigns was an offering made by Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma in 1973 to the presiding deity of Sabarimala.

The Ayyappa idol will be adorned by it during the 'Mandala Pooja' on December 27.

The golden attire was taken out of the strongroom of the Travancore Devaswam Board (TDB) in Aranmula and kept at 'Anakkottil' of Aranmula Temple for devotees to have 'darshan.' Temple Melsanthi Dileepan Namboodiri performed 'Arathi' on the 'Thanka Anki' before it was transferred to a motorised chariot for the journey to Sabarimala.

TDB President G Raman Nair was among those who offered worship.

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