Sabarimala witnessed heavy rush on the first day of the Makaravilakku festival at the Ayyappa temple on Wednesday.
Melsanthi E.N. Krishnadas Namboodiri opened the sanctum sanctorum at 4 a.m. and the rituals began with the Ashtadravya Ganapati homom and Ashtabhishekom, followed by Neyyabhishekom to the presiding deity.
Tantri Kandararu Rajeevararu, assisted by the Melsanthi, performed the Brahmakalasapuja in the forenoon as part of the Kalabhabhishekom prior to the Utchapuja.
Pilgrims had to wait for hours together inside the thickly packed barricades before ascending the 18 steps to the temple premises. A good number of pilgrims who were taking rest in the open space at the Lower Tirumuttom and Malikappuram were put to much hardship by the long spell of rain on Tuesday night. The showers lasted till early morning hours.
Pilgrims who were waiting inside the barricades on the trekking path were left with little option but to brave the rain.
Makaravilakku will be celebrated on January 14. The tantri will perform the Makarasankramapuja followed by deeparadhana to the presiding deityadorned with the Thiruvabharanam, sacred jewellery, brought from the Pandalam Palace in the evening. The temple will be closed on January 20, marking the culmination of the Makaravilakku festival.
