Sabarimala temple reopens tomorrow

Pathanamthitta, Dec 29 (UNI) The Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala will reopen tomorrow for the 'Makaravilakku' festival.

Melsanthi Eswaran Namboodiri will open the sanctum sanctorum at 1730 hrs in the presence of Tantri Kantararu Rajeevaru.

The rituals including 'Neyyabishekam' will commence from December 31 morning with a 'Ganapathihomam.' The most-awaited 'Makaravilakku' day falls on January 14. The famous 'Petta Thullal' of Ambalappuzha and Alangad teams will be held at Erumeli on January 11.

The procession carriying 'Thiruvabharanam' to adorn the Ayyappa idol will set off from Pandalam Valiyakoickal palace on January 12.

Tantri and Melsanthi will recieve the 'Thiruvabharanam' at 'Sopanam' and take it into the 'sreekovil' for 'Deeparadhana.' At that time, the 'Makara' star will appear on the eastern horizon along with the 'Makarajyothi' over 'Ponnambalamedu.' A 'Kalabhabhishekam' will be offered by the Pandalam Raja to Lord Ayyappa on January 18. The last ritual of the season 'Guruthy' will be performed at Malikappuram Devi temple on January 19 night.

UNI XR PMM -- APA2010