Millions witness Makarjyothi at Sabarimala

SABARIMALA:: The sacred hill of Sabarimala is witnessed heavy rush of pilgrims as the Lord Ayyappa Temple celebrated the “Makaravilakku” on Sunday.

The auspicious “Makara Samkrama Pooja” held at 06.00 p.m. to 08.00 p.m.. The “Samkrama Pooja” followed by “Samkramabhishekam”.

Both the rituals coincided with the ushering in of “Utharayanam”, when the sun changed its position from “Dhanu Rasi” to “Makaram Rasi”.

The special ghee brought by a messenger from Kavadiyar Palace used for the “Abhishekam”. “Samkrama Pooja” and the “Abhishekam”was performed by Tantri Kantararu Rajeevaru.

Later, after adorning the Ayyappa idol with “Thiruvabharanam”, the “Deeparachana” was held.

Synchronising with the “Deeparadhana”, “Makara Jyothi” appeared at “Ponnambala Medu” and the bright star “Makara” also appeared on the eastern horizon.

The “Thiruvabharanam” procession was given a rousing reception by the Travancore Devaswom Board officials at Saramkuthy on the traditional trekking path from Pampa to Sannidhanam.

When the procession reacheed Sannidhanam, the Devaswom authorities handed over the “Thiruvabharanam” to Tantri Kantararu Rajeevaru and Melsanthi E Eswaran Nampoothiri, who adorned the idol with “Thiruvabharanam” prior to “Deeparadhana”.