Pathanamthitta: The Sannidhanam of Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala is all set for the annual Mandala pooja on Saturday that would be performed between 11.40 am and 12.20 pm after the deity is adorned with the Thanka Anki (the sacred golden attire).
The Thanka Anki procession from Aranmula carrying the scared golden attire to be adorned on the Ayyappa deity during the Mandalapooja reached Pamba Friday afternoon.
Later, after resting at Pamba for a while, the procession started the trek up to Sannidhanam with the Thanka Anki Pedakam (the box with the golden attire) around 3 pm. At 5.15 pm, the group led by the members of Travancore Devaswom Board welcomed the Thanka Anki procession at Sharam Kuthi in a ceremonious manner and led the procession to the Temple.
Devaswom Board President Adv N Vasu, Board Member K S Ravi, Devaswom Commissioner B S Thirumeni and other prominent persons waited at the top landing of the Pathinettam padi (the 18 golden steps) in front of the flag post (Kodimaram), and welcomed the procession and led them to the Temple Sopanam.
Following this, the Thanka Anki was handed over to the Temple Thantri (Vedic Head) and Head Priest who received the box and took it into the Sree Kovil (Sanctum Sanctorum).
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After adorning the deity with the Thanka Anki, Maha Deeparadhana was performed at 6.30 pm. Later, after the Athazha Pooja at 8.30, the Temple would close for the day at 9 pm after singing Harivarasanam.
On 26 December morning, the Temple Nada will open at 5 am. Certain restrictions have been implemented on the 25th and 26th of December for the pilgrim’s darshan.
The Mandala Pooja and festival at the Sabarimala comes to closure once the Temple Nada is closed on 26th night after Harivarasanam.
On December 30, the Temple will reopen for the Makaravilakku festival.
Makara Vilakku festive season falls between December 31 through January 19. From 31st December, the pilgrims would be able to enter the Temple. The Makara vilakku pooja is scheduled to happen on January 4.
