Sabarimala: The hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa in Sabarimala opened for Vishu Puja on Tuesday evening. Head priest K Jayaraman Namboodiri opened the sanctum sanctorum and lit the lamp in the presence of Tantri Kandararu Maheswararu Mohanaru at around 5 pm.

The devotees were allowed to enter the temple soon after lighting the sacred fireplace ‘Aazhi’ in the temple.  

On Wednesday, the sanctum sanctorum opened at 5 am, followed by ‘Nirmalya darshanam’ and ‘Abhishekam’.

The temple will be opened for ‘Vishukani’ darshan at 4 am on April 15. The pilgrims will be permitted to enter the shrine and the tantri and head priest will distribute ‘Vishu Kaineettam’ for them.