Ashtami Rohini celebrations: Devotees throng Guruvayur Temple

Guruvayur: The Guruvayur Sreekrishna Temple witnesses heavy rush as devotees continue to throng the shrine to take part in the Ashtami Rohini day celebrations on Wednesday. Entry to Nalambalam is open from 3 am till 5 pm as usual. From 6 am to 2 pm, devotees can enter the Nalambalam directly through the kodimaram (flagstaff) area. At the time, shayana pradakshinam (rolling around the sanctum sanctorum) and chuttambalam pradakshinam will not be conducted and there will not be any special darshan permits for VIPs.

This year, the esteemed golden idol (swarna kolam) of the deity will be taken in procession three times on Wednesday. The special sadya for devotees will begin at 9 am at Annalakshmi Hall and the hall situated towards the southern entrance of the temple. Special palpayasam prepared at an expense of Rs 8.5 lakh will be served at the sadya. Although choroonu offerings will take place, children will not be allowed entry to the Nalambalam.

Also, stories of Krishna avatar will be recited by acharyas during the Bhagavata Saptaham at 9 am and in the night. At 10 pm, a Krishnanattam performance will be held at Melpathur Auditorium. Around 45,000 appams will be offered before the deity during Athazha Puja at night.