Sabarimala, Nov 16 (UNI) World famous hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa temple was opened at 1700 hours on Friday for the two-month long annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage beginning on November 17, the first day of Malayalam month 'Vrichikam.'
The outgoing Melsanthi (Head Priest), AV Unnikrishnan Nampoothiri, opened the Sanctom Sanctorum in the presence of Chief Priest (Tantri) Rajeev Kandararu.
After lighting the lamp inside the sanctum sanctorum, the outgoing head priest transferred the fire to a larger fire place, (Aazhi), in front of the holy 18-steps at the Lower Tirumuttom, where the devotees burn the broken pieces of ghee-filled coconuts.
Later, the installation ceremony of new head priest MN Vasudevan Nampoothiri was held in front of the Sreekovil at 1900 hours. MN Narayanan Nampoothiri was installed as new head priest at Malikappuram Devi temple.
A 'Kalasabhishekam' on MN Vasudevan Nampoothiri was also conducted by the Chief Priest before leading him into the Sreekovil for passing on the 'Moolamanthram' of Lord Ayyappa.
The ceremony of handing over the key of the Sreekovil will be held after the closure of the shrine at 2200 hrs. As per the custom, the outgoing head priest will hand over the keys to the Devaswom Administrative Officer and thereupon the key will be given to the newly sworn head priest. As practice no ritual will be conducted at the Sreekovil this evening.
The auspicious ‘Mandala Pooja Maholsavam’ will begin with Maha Ganapthi Homam on the early morning of Saturday.
UNI DS CS 1916