Sabarimala temple opens for monthly poojas

Pathanamthitta, Oct 16 (UNI) The Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala was opened for the five-day monthly 'Poojas' in the Malayalam month of 'Thulam' today.

Melsanthi T K Krishnan Namboodiri opened the sanctum sanctorum at 1730 hrs and lit the ceremonial lamps in the presence of Tantri Kantararu Rajeevaru.

The customary rituals will begin from tomorrow morning with the Tantri performing an 'Ashtadravya Ganapathi Homam.' Travancore Devaswom Board sources said 'Leksharchana,' and 'Sahasrashekam' would be performed on Saturday. However, 'Kalabhbabhishekam' will be performed from October 18 to 21.

The new 'Melsanthis' of the Ayyappa temple and the adjacent Malikappuram Devi temple will be selected through draw of lots tomorrow. Special Commissioner M Rajendran Nair will oversee the selection process.

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