Sabarimala Nada closed after Mandalam season

Sabarimala Temple Closed after Mandala Pooja, to Reopen on December 30

SABARIMALA: The hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa here was closed on Saturday, marking the conclusion of the first phase of the  41-day-long ‘Mandala Pooja’ pilgrimage season. As part of the ceremony, Thantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, in the presence of Melsanthi Krishnadas Nampoothiri, performed the Mandala Pooja after adorning the Thanka Anki on the idol of Lord Ayyappa during ‘uchcha pooja’.

Rituals like ‘kalabhabhishekam’, ‘brahmakalasa pooja’ and ‘pushpabhishekam’ were also held. The temple was closed at 10 pm.

The temple will reopen on December 30 evening for the 20-day-long ‘Makaravilakku’ festival, the concluding session of the pilgrimage season. The ceremonial ‘Pettathullal’ at Erumeli Sree Dharma Sastha temple, marking the celebration of the victory of Lord Ayyappa over demon Mahishi, will be held on January 11.

The procession carrying the Thiruvabharanam, the attire in gold to be adorned on the idol of Lord Ayyappa on ‘Makaravilakku’ day (January 14), will be taken out from Pandalam Valiyakoickal Sree Dharma Sastha temple at 1 pm on January 12.

The procession carrying the thidambu of Goddess Malikappuram will be taken out on January 14. The temple will close on the morning of January 20. -newindianexpress