Lakhs of pilgrims witness Sabarimala Makara Jyothi in Kerala (Pics)

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 15: Thousands and thousands of devotees visited the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in an atmosphere of gaiety and religious fervour.

Pilgrims witnessed Makara Jyothi when deeparadhana was conducted after adorning the Thiruvabharanam on the idol of Lord Ayyappa at 6.40 pm on Tuesday.

The atmosphere was filled with chants of ‘Swamiye Saranamayyappa' by the devotees and while waiting for the appearance of Makara Jyothi on the eastern sky above the hill shrine, they were overwhelmed by the darsan of Lord Ayyappa at the Sopanam.

This year, the Sabarimala pilgrimage did well financially as well.

Travancore Devaswom Board president M P Govindan Nair said on Tuesday that the income at the Lord Ayyappa temple during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season ending January 13 stood at 181.78 crore.

Addressing mediapersons at the Sannidhanam Devaswom Guest House here, Govindan Nair said the revenue showed an all-time increase of 26 crore.

Makara Jyothi when deeparadhana was conducted

Makara Jyothi when deeparadhana was conducted after adorning the Thiruvabharanam on the idol of Lord Ayyappa at 6.40 pm on Tuesday.

deeparadhana was conducted after adorning the Thiruvabharanam on the idol of Lord Ayyappa

Makara Jyothi when deeparadhana was conducted after adorning the Thiruvabharanam on the idol of Lord Ayyappa at 6.40 pm.

Lakhs of pilgrims were overwhelmed by the darsan of Lord Ayyappa

Lakhs of pilgrims were overwhelmed by the darsan of Lord Ayyappa at the Sopanam and the atmosphere was filled with chants of ‘Swamiye Saranamayyappa'.

Lakhs of pilgrims were overwhelmed by the darsan

Lakhs of pilgrims were overwhelmed by the darsan of Lord Ayyappa

Atmosphere was filled with chants of ‘Swamiye Saranamayyappa'

Pilgrims were overwhelmed by the darsan of Lord Ayyappa at the Sopanam and the atmosphere was filled with chants of ‘Swamiye Saranamayyappa'.

Pilgrims were overwhelmed by the darsan

Pilgrims were overwhelmed by the darsan of Lord Ayyappa at the Sopanam and the atmosphere was filled with chants of ‘Swamiye Saranamayyappa'.

Temple priest performing pooja

Temple priest performing pooja at the Sabarimala temple during Makara Jyothi Darsanam

Surrounding areas of the temple thronged by the devotees

The Sannidhanam and the surrounding areas of the temple, especially Pandithavalam, Saramkuthi and Malikappuram, were thronged by the devotees.

Sannidhanam and the surrounding areas of the temple

The Sannidhanam and the surrounding areas of the temple, especially Pandithavalam, Saramkuthi and Malikappuram, were thronged by the devotees.

Sabarimala temple

In an atmosphere of gaiety and religious fervour, lakhs of pilgrims witnessed Makara Jyothi when deeparadhana was conducted after adorning the Thiruvabharanam on the idol of Lord Ayyappa at 6.40 pm on Tuesday.

Lakhs of pilgrims witnessed Makara Jyothi

In an atmosphere of gaiety and religious fervour, lakhs of pilgrims witnessed Makara Jyothi when deeparadhana was conducted after adorning the Thiruvabharanam on the idol of Lord Ayyappa.

Devotees gathered at the temple

Devotees gathered at the temple to witness Makara Jyothi Darsanam

Devotees celebrate in Sabarimala

Devotees celebrate the Sabarimala Makara Jyothi with priest in Ayyappan Temple, Kerala.

The chief priest during the ceremony

Devotees celebrate the Sabarimala Makara Jyothi with priest in Ayyappan Temple.

Devotees celebrate the Sabarimala Makara Jyothi

Devotees celebrate the Sabarimala Makara Jyothi with priest in Ayyappan Temple.

Devotees at Sabarimala

Devotees celebrate the Sabarimala Makara Jyothi

OneIndia News