Sabarimala temple closes, marking culmination of poojas

Pathanamthitta, Oct 22 (UNI) The Sabarimala Ayyappa temple was closed today marking the culmination of five-day monthly poojas in the Malayalam month of 'Thulam'.

Melsanthi E Eswaran Nampoothiri closed the sanctum sanctorum after 'Athazha Poojas' amidst singing of 'Harivarasanam'. An auspicious 'Kalabhabhishekam' was performed at 'Sannidhanam' today.

Tantri Kantararu Maheswararu led the ritual held at the eastern 'Madapam'.

After special poojas, he filled the 'Brahmakalasam' with sanctified sandal paste. The 'Kalasam' was carried into the sanctum sanctorum in a colourful procession and Tantri performed the 'Abhishekam'. Hundreds of pilgrims witnessed the ritual, braving heavy downpour.

The Ayyappa temple would be reopened on November 7 for the celebration of 'Chithira-Attathirunal', which falls on November 8.

UNI