Sabarimala Temple Opens for Makaravilakku Festival
Kottayam: The Sabarimala temple opened at 5 pm on Tuesday for the annual Makaravilakku festival. The opening ceremony was conducted by Melshanti E. T. Prasad in the presence of Tanthri Kantararu Mahesh Mohanaru.
Following this, Malikappuram Melshanti Manu Namboothiri opened the Malikappuram shrine. After the sacred fire was transferred to the aazhi by the Sabarimala Melshanti, devotees were allowed to climb the Pathinettampadi for darshan.
Sabarimala Executive Officer O. G. Biju and Administrative Officer S. Srinivas were among those who offered darshan on the opening day.
The temple had remained closed after the conclusion of the Mandala festival on December 27. The Makaravilakku festival will be observed on January 14. Devotees can have darshan until 11 pm on January 19. The temple will close at 6.30 am on January 20.