‘Thiruvabharanam’ procession begins from Pandalam

The procession carrying ”Thiruvabharanam” (sacred ornamnets) to adorn the Ayyappa idol on ”Makaravilakku” day set off for Sabarimala from the Pandalam Valiya Koickal Sastha Temple with devotional fervour.

The ornaments were kept at the temple premises for sometime for devotees to have darshan. At noon, Valiya Thampuran Revathinal P Ramavarma Raja reached the temple, which was closed for special ‘poojas’.

Melsanthi performed special poojas and ‘deeparadhana’ before placing the ”Thiruvabharanam” in three ornamental boxes.

The boxes were decorated with silk-cloth and garlands of marigold flowers. After sanctified by poojas, the Melsanthi gave the royal sword to Valiyathampuran who in turn presented it to the royal emissary Bharaninal Ravivarma Raja who is to accompany the procession.

The 18-member team led by Kochuthundil Bhaskara Pillai who were to carry the boxes on their heads were honoured with the sacred ash.

The ”Thiruvabharanamm” box was placed on his head by Kochuthundil Bhaskaran Pillai.

On the evening of January 14, the procession would arrive at Saramkuthy, from where it will be led by Dewaswam Board officials to ”Sannidhanam.” The ‘deeparadhana’ would be performed on ”Makaravilakku” day on January 14 after adorning the presiding deity with ‘Thiruvabharanam.’