Sabarimala Vishu Kani on April 15; Thiruvabharanam adornment at Pandalam Temple
Sabarimala: Devotees have been eagerly waiting for the Vishu Kani darshan for prosperity and good fortune, which will take place on the 15th. Vishu Kani, marking the Malayalam New Year, is celebrated in temples across Kerala. Along with viewing the sacred vishu kani, devotees will also receive Vishu Kaineettam (auspicious coin offering) from the sanctum. Preparations for the Vishu Kani darshan at the Ayyappa shrine have begun.
The darshan will be available from 4:00 AM to 7:00 AM on the 15th. After the Athazha Pooja (night ritual) on the 14th, the head priest, assistant priests, and temple staff will prepare the Vishu Kani inside the sanctum. The temple will then be closed at night after chanting the Harivarasanam. Early in the morning, the temple doors will be opened, lamps inside the sanctum will be lit, and Lord Ayyappa will be the first to witness the Vishu Kani. Only after that will devotees be allowed to have the darshan.
Extensive police arrangements have been made to control the crowd, with additional personnel deployed. A temporary KSRTC depot has been set up at Pamba. A total of 76 buses have been arranged for the Pamba–Nilakkal chain service. Special bus services have also started from Thiruvananthapuram, Chengannur, Pathanamthitta, and Kumily to Pamba.
On the auspicious occasion of Vishu Kani, marking the Malayalam New Year, devotees seek the blessings of Lord Ayyappa as the sacred Thiruvabharanam is adorned at Pandalam Valiya Koikal Temple. At present, the Thiruvabharanam is adorned here; However, as per the Devaprasnam, it is believed that the Lord desires to wear the sacred Thiruvabharanam at Sabarimala Sree Ayappa Temple on auspicious occasions, and devotees may have the opportunity to witness this divine ritual there in the future.