Sabarimala Temple to open for 'Mandala Puja'

{image-sabarimala temple_15112008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Pathanamthitta, Nov 15: The Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala will be opened on Sunday, Nov 16 for the 'Mandala Pooja' pilgrimage season of 41 days.

The outgoing Melsanthi T K Krishnan Nampoothiri will open the Sanctum Sanctorum at 1730 hrs in the presence of Thantri Kantaru Rajeevaru and light the ceremonial lamps. Regular Poojas will begin from early morning of November 16, the first day of Malayalam month 'Vrischikam.' Thousands of pilgrims are camping at Pampa and Sannidhanam in anticipation of offering worship on the opening day itself.

'Mandala Pooja'' will be performed on December 26 noon. The temple will be closed the same night marking the conclusion of 'Mandalam' pilgrimage season. It will be reopened on December 30 at 5.30 pm for 'Makaravilakku Festival.'

UNI