Sabarimala opens for poojas

Pathanamthitta, May 14 (UNI) The Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala was opened today for 'pooja' in the Malayalam month of 'Edavam'.

Melsanthi E Eswaran Nampoothiri opened the sanctum sanctorum at 1730 Hrs and lit the ceremonial lamps in the presence of Tantri Kantaru Rajeevaru.

Later, he went down the 18 sacred steps to set afire the 'Azhi'.

Regular Poojas would commence from tomorrow morning with a 'Ganapathi Homam'.

A 'Sahasra Kalasabhishekam' would be offerred to the Lord tomorrow coinciding with 'Ucha Pooja' which would be repreated on May 17 and 19. 'Leksharchana' would be performed on May 18 and 19.

A 'Kalabhabhishekam' would be held on May 18. The hill- Shrine would be closed on May 19 at 2200 Hrs after 'Athazha pooja'. It would be reopened on the evening of May 26 for Poojas related to the idol installation day which falls on May 27.

UNI