Lakhs witness ''Makarajyothi''

Pathanamthitta, Jan 14 (UNI) Tens of thousands of Ayyappa devotees today witnessed Makarajyothi', the celestial light that appeared on the eastern horizon of the Ayyappa 'Sannidhanam'.

The 'Sannidhanam' was a sea of humanity by the evening following the heavy influx of pilgrims to witness the 'Makarajyothi' and they congregated at vantage points to catch a glimpse of the 'Makarajyothi'.

The hills and dales reverberated with high-pitched chanting of 'Saranamantras'.

Tantri Katararu Rajeevaru preformed the makara 'Samkramapooja' at 1808 Hrs and 'Abhishekam' at the auspicious start of ''Uthrayanam''when the sun shifted from 'Dhanu Rasi' to 'Makara Rasi'. The ghee brought from Kawadiyar Palace was used for 'Abhishekam' of the Ayyappa idol.

The procession carrying the 'Thiruvabharanam', the sacred jewellery of the presiding deity, was given a rousing welcome at 'saramkuthi' by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) authorities.

The 'Thiruvabharanam' was taken to the sanctum sanctorum by the tantri and the Melsanthi to adorn the Ayyappa idol prior to the 'Deeparadhana', which coincided with the apearance of 'Makarajyothi' on Ponnambala Medu at 1849 Hrs.

Tens of thousands of pilgrims greeted the 'Makara jyothi' with burning of camphor.

UNI