Laksharchana, an auspicious ritual, was performed at the Ayyappa Temple on Monday.
Kandaru Rajeevaru, the chief priest (Tantri), performed the rituals as a prelude to the Laksharchana in the morning. The chanting of sacred mantras by the priests was completed by 11.30 a.m. The Tantri, assisted by Melsanthi E.N. Krishnadas Namboodiri performed the Brahmakalasapooja.
Sahasrakalasabhishkom and Kalabhabhishekom were also performed at the Ayyappa Temple prior to the Utchapuja.
The golden urns carrying the Brahmakalasom were taken out in a customary procession, with the accompaniments of the traditional temple percussion and the sacred ‘Marappani’ for performing the ‘abhishekom’ to the deity, later.
The sandal paste (kalabhom) offered to the deity was distributed among the devotees, later. Ashtabhishekom, Pushpabhishekom, Padipuja, and Udayasthamanapuja were the other important rituals performed at the Ayyappa shrine on Monday.
A large number of Ayyappa devotees from different parts of south India thronged the holy hillock to worship the presiding deity and witness the special rituals.
Vishu
The Vishu festival will be celebrated at Sabarimala on Wednesday. Devotees can have the auspicious Vishukkani darshan at the Ayyappa Temple from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Wednesday. The Ayyappa Temple will be closed after the Athazhapuja on April 19 evening, marking the culmination of the 10-day Vishu festival.
