Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala opened for monthly Pujas

Sabarimala (Kerala): The world-famous Lord Ayyappa temple has been opened for five-day Pujas for the Malayalam month ‘Edavam’ from May 15 to 19. The Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) of the hill shrine was opened by Melsanthi (head priest) N Parameswaran Namboodri in the presence of Thantri Mahesh Mohanaru (chief priest) at 1700 hrs on Saturday. Later, the Head Priest lit the sacred fire place (Aazhi) at the Lower Tirumuttom with the fire brought from the sanctum sanctorum. However, no ritual was performed at the Sreekovil on Saturday evening as part of the ongoing practice. As part of the monthly Poojas, the devotess were allowed for Darshan from Sunday early morning. Routine rituals and Poojas, including Ganapathi Homam, Usha Pooja, Uchcha Pooja, Deeparadhana and Athazha Pooja, Udayasthamana Pooja, Kalabhabhishekam, Padi Pooja and Pushpabhishekam, will be performed. After completing the rituals, the temple will be closed on May 19 at 10 PM. The State-owned Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) began special services for devotees during the period. (UNI)