Sabarimala opens for monthly Poojas

Pathanamthitta, Sep 16 (UNI) The Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala was today opened for the monthly 'Poojas' in the Malayalam month of anni.' Melsanthi E Eswaran Nampoothiri opened the sanctum sanctorum at 1730 hrs and lighted the ceremonial lamps. However, no 'Poojas' were performed today. Regular 'Poojas' will commence from tomorrow morning with a 'Ganapthy Homam.' Apart from customary 'Poojas' like 'Usha Pooja,' 'Ucha Pooja' and 'Athazha Pooja,' special ones like 'Padipooja' and 'Udayasthamana Pooja' would also be performed on all the five days. A 'Sahasrakalasabhishekam' will be offered to the presiding deity on September 19 and a 'Kalabhabhishekam on September 21.

On September 18, Tantri Kantararu Maheswararu will perform 'Kalasapooja' on 1001 'Kalasams.' 'Kalasabhishekam' will be performed by Tantri assisted by Melsanthi on September 19. The Tantri will fill the 'Kalasam' with sandal paste on September 21 for 'Kalabhabhisheka.' The hill-shrine will be closed on September 21 at 2200 hrs.

UNI