The annual Hindu festival of luck, Vishu, was celebrated with traditional fervour and ritualistic splendour at Sabarimala Sannidhanam on Saturday.
Hundreds of devotees from different parts of the State as well as from the neighbouring States of Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, thronged the holy hillock to have the auspicious ‘Vishukkani’ darshan at the Ayyappa shrine on Saturday morning.
The entire atmosphere was charged with devotion and ‘Swami Saranam, Ayyappa Saranam’ chants rented the air. The Melsanthi had opened the sanctum sanctorum at 3.45 am for the Vishukkani darshan.
The ‘Vishukkani’ was arranged inside the sanctum sanctorum with ‘kanikkonna’ (Cassia Fistula) flowers, fresh fruits, vegetables, paddy spikes, jewels and the traditional ‘Ashtamangalyam’ before the closure
of the sanctum on the previous night.
Hundreds of devotees were camping at the Sannidanaam since Friday afternoon for the auspicious ‘Vishukkani’ darshan which, they believed, would bring them good luck and prosperity through out the year.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister, Yeddiyurappa and noted playback singer, K.J. Yesudas, were among those who have offered prayers at the Ayyappa Temple on Thursday morning.
The Tantri and Melsanthi had offered coins as customary `Vishu-kaineettom’ to the devotees present at the temple sopanam in the morning.
A Kalabhabhishekom and Sahasrakalasabhishekom were performed at the Ayyappa Temple prior to the Utchapuja. Padipuja, Udayasthamanapuja and Pushpabhishekom were also held at the Ayyappa shrine on Saturday and Sunday.
The Ayyappa Temple will be closed after the Athazhapuja on April 18, marking the culmination of the Vishu festival.
