SABARIMALA TEMPLE TO OPEN TODAY FOR ANNUAL FEST

Why in the news?

Sabarimala temple opening for monthly pujas and annual festival, with rituals and ceremonies scheduled until March 24.

source:indiatimes

About Sabarimala Temple Opening:

  • The Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala will commence its five-day monthly pujas followed by the 10-day annual festival.
  • Head priest P.N. Mahesh Namboothiri will open the temple alongside Tantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanararu at 5pm
  • Devotees will be allowed to ascend the 18 holy steps soon after the temple opening.
  • The Utsava Bali ritual will be conducted daily until March 24.
  • The Pallivetta ceremony is set to take place on March 24.
About Makaravilakku:

●   Makaravilakku is a religious practice by forest tribes in Ponnambalamedu during Makar Sankranti.

●   They perform aarti by circling around the temple idol with camphor and ghee, known as Makaravilakku.

●   The ritual occurs when the Cyrus star (Makara Jyothi) appears in the sky.