Sabarimala | Photo: Aji VK/ Mathrubhumi
Pathanamthitta: Marking the end of 41-day long Mandalam and Makaravilakku season, Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala closed for pilgrims on Thursday night after singing ‘Harivarasanam’ song.
As many as 22,736 pilgrims booked their slots on the last day of darshan during this season. Though devotees thronged during the initial hours of darshan on Thursday morning, the rush of pilgrims reduced after 10 am. The ritual ‘Neyyabhishekam’ was not performed on the last day.
The sanctum sanctorum was closed on Friday 6 am after performing the rituals. However, devotees were not allowed to enter the temple during this time. Devaswom board administrative officer received the keys of the temple, following the procession which carried ‘Thiruvabharanam’ (sacred ornaments) to Panthalam.
A ‘Kuruthi’ was also performed at the Manimandapam in Malikappuram as a culmination of the rituals in this season.