Pathanamthitta: The special Padi and Udayasthamana Pooja which used to be performed only when the Sabarimala temple Nada was opened for five days during the monthly poojas, will be conducted until December 15, 2020, this Mandala Kala pilgrim season at the temple.
Both the poojas will be performed during the Makaravilakku pilgrimage period - from December 31, 2020, through January 10, 2021, and thereafter from January 15 through January 19.
The pending Padi poojas and the Udayasthamana poojas, which could not be conducted in the Malayalam month of Meenam (beginning March second half) and in the following months due to the COVID are being performed now.
The devotees who had booked for the Padi pooja and Udayasthamana pooja in those months would be allotted new dates. If the person is not in a position to reach on the said date due to the pandemic, the next in line would be considered. If they are also not able to reach, those who book for the poojas afresh would be considered.
Also read: Sabarimala: No entry for pilgrims via traditional forest pathway
The Thanthri (authority of rites and rituals at the Temple) performs the Padi pooja on the 18 steps to the Sanctum Sanctorum, assisted by the Mel Shanthis (Head Priests) after the Deeparadhana (lamp worship to the deity) on these days.
Each of the eighteen golden steps here is believed to be hill deities protecting Lord Ayyappa and Abhishekam, Nivedhyam and Poojas are ritualistically performed on each of the steps in this assumption. Udhayasthamana Pooja offering consists of all the 18 poojas from morning pooja at 8 through the Athazha pooja (Night pooja).
Padi pooja is charged at Rs 75000. As of now, the booking for Padi pooja has been done until the year 2036. Udhayasthamana pooja is charged at Rs 40000. Presently the booking for Udhayasthamana pooja is over until the year 2027.
