Sabarimala Navagraha Sreekovil: Melshanti Vasudevan Namboothiri Performs Sacred Uttaram Vayppu Ritual
Sabarimala, June 19, 2025 – The Uttaram Vayppu Ritual for the newly constructed Navagraha Sreekovil at Sabarimala Sannidhanam was successfully performed today by Malikappuram Melshanti Vasudevan Namboothiri, , along with other priests. The ritual, a significant milestone in the construction of the shrine dedicated to the nine planetary deities, took place between 11:58 AM and 12:20 PM during an auspicious muhurtham.
Uttaram Vayppu is a traditional Hindu temple ritual performed during the construction of a shrine or temple structure, particularly in Kerala. The term "Uttaram" refers to the main beam or ridgepole of the roof, and "Vayppu" means placing or installing. This ceremony involves the ceremonial installation of the primary wooden beam or structural element that supports the roof of the sanctum sanctorum (Sreekovil) or other sacred structures.
The new Sreekovil is being built near Malikappuram, in accordance with a Devaprasnam (astrological consultation) that recommended relocating the existing Navagraha shrine to a more suitable location. Approximately 60% of the construction work has been completed, utilizing teak wood, copper plates, and stone.
The Ritual was attended by key officials, including TDB President P.S. Prasanth, Sabarimala Executive Engineer Shyamaprasad, Administrative Officer Biju V. Nath, Assistant Executive Officer Srinivas, Assistant Engineers Manojkumar and Sunilkumar, and temple architect Mahesh Panicker.
