The chants of ‘Amme Narayana Devi Narayana’ rent the air as devotees in huge numbers thronged the Chottanikkara temple on Thursday for the Makam Thozhal festival.
Special pujas
The festivities during the day began with an arattu ezhunellippu to Onnakuttichira at 5.30 a.m. Special pujas were held. Chief priest Puliyannur Mana Murali Narayanan Namboothiripad performed the rituals.
Later, the offerings made by devotees were received at the temple ground to the accompaniment of melam and elephants.
The sanctum sanctorum was closed at 1 p.m. The ritualistic opening of the sanctum sanctorum for special darsan was held at 2 p.m. The festivities on the day concluded around 8.30 p.m.
The faithful had begun reaching the temple since Wednesday evening.
The Chottanikkara Devaswom had made elaborate arrangements, including pandals and barricades, for devotees, in addition to free food and drinking water for those who waited in queues during the day.
Two entrances
Women were allowed entry inside the temple through the Padinjare Nada, while men and families were to enter through the Vadakke Pooraparambu.
Legend has it the Vilvumangala Swamiyar had a darsan of the goddess at the temple on this day. Hence, the sighting of the goddess at a particular time is believed to bring prosperity to the faithful.
The annual festival at the temple will draw to a close on March 3 with arattu ceremony.
