Sabarimala temple closes, marking end of Mandala–Makaravilakku pilgrimage season

Sabarimala: The Sabarimala temple was officially closed on Tuesday morning, bringing the two-month-long Mandala–Makaravilakku pilgrimage season to a peaceful conclusion.

The temple doors were shut at 6.45 am following the darshan of the Pandalam royal representative, Punartham Nal Narayana Varma. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) said the temple had opened at 5 am for the final rituals.

Ganapathi Homam was performed at the eastern mandapam in line with traditional customs. Following this, the Thiruvabharanam return procession commenced its journey back to the Pandalam Srambikkal Palace.

"A 30-member team led by Periyaswami Maruthuvana Sivankutty is transporting the sacred ornaments along the same route, expected to reach Pandalam on January 23," TDB officials said.

Chief Priest (Melsanthi) E D Prasad Namboothiri performed Vibhuti abhishekam on the Lord Ayyappa idol. The idol was decorated with a Rudraksha mala, and a yoga staff was placed in its hand. After chanting the Harivarasanam, lamps were extinguished, and the sanctum was closed.

The keys to the temple were handed to the Pandalam royal representative, who later descended the eighteen sacred steps and, following tradition, handed them over to Sabarimala Administrative Officer S Srinivasan in the presence of Devaswom Executive Officer O G Biju and the Melsanthi. The ceremonial money pouch for monthly pooja expenses was also handed over, as per tradition.

With the royal representative departing for Pandalam Palace, the pilgrimage season officially concluded. TDB officials noted that the season passed smoothly, thanks to the cooperation of devotees, the police, and government departments.

PTI