Guruthi Pooja at Sabarimala, the Thiruvabharanam Return Journey, and the Traditions of the Pandalam Family
Guruthi Pooja is a traditional ritual practiced in certain temples of Kerala and South India, rooted in Tantric and folk worship traditions. It is performed to pacify fierce deities, remove negative energies, and restore spiritual balance. Though rich in symbolism, the ritual ultimately stands for purification, protection, and spiritual transformation.
Why is it conducted?
Guruthi Pooja is performed by invoking Devi Shakti, especially forms like Bhadrakali. It is meant to remove negative influences, clear spiritual disturbances, and provide protection to devotees. Temples such as Sabarimala, Guruvayur, and Chottanikkara are well known for observing such powerful rituals and traditions.
At Sabarimala, after the Sreekovil of Lord Ayyappa is closed, Guruthi is conducted behind the Malikappuram Temple, in front of the Malamandapam. The ritual takes place in the presence of members of the former Pandalam Landlord family. In earlier times, traditional custodians of the temple forests, including the Mala Arayan community, were also part of this ritual.
The Makaravilakku mahotsavam concludes on January 20, after the 6:00 AM darshan by the representative of the Pandalam Landlord family.
As part of a long-standing tradition, after the representative of the Pandalam Landlord family descends the Pathinettampadi, the temple keys and the bag containing the temple’s offerings (money, taxes, and revenue) are ceremonially handed over to the family. Until the British takeover, offerings such as gold, silver, and revenue were collected by the Pandalam Landlord family as the landlords of the region.
The keys will be returned to the Melshanti of Sabarimala, and the Pandalam family will also give a small bag in return for running Sabarimala during the next pilgrimage season.
The Thiruvabharanam (the ornaments of original idol of Ayyappa) are taken back to Pandalam. During this return journey, Garuda once again seen in sky as a divine protector, especially when the ornaments reach Pampa.
As a gesture of gratitude, the ornaments are also adorned at the Perunad Temple, because the priests there had served as santhikars (assistants) at Sabarimala during the great fire of 1903. When the Sabarimala temple was damaged in that fire, the Thiruvabharanam was taken to Perunad temple and later to Pandalam for safe keeping.
Whenever the Thiruvabharanam is carried, Garuda accompany it as a divine guardian, protecting his Lord, Vaikuntanathan ornaments, throughout the sacred journey.