Sabarimala Temple Opens Today for Annual Niraputhari Puja
Pathanamthitta: The Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple will open its doors on today evening for the annual Niraputhari Puja. The temple will be opened at 5:00 PM by Head Priest (Melshanthi) Arunkumar Namboothiri in the presence of Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru. Simultaneously, Vasudevan Namboothiri will open the Malikappuram Temple, performing the corresponding rituals. Following this, a sacred fire will be kindled at the Aazhi (fire pit) near the 18 holy steps.
The Niraputhari Puja, marking the offering of fresh paddy sheaves, will be conducted on Wednesday morning between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM during the auspicious muhurtham. A ceremonial procession carrying the paddy sheaves for the puja will commence at 4:30 AM on today from the Achankovil Sree Dharmasastha Temple.The rituals will conclude on July 30, with the temple closing at 10:00 PM.