Divine Radiance Illuminates Sabarimala Today: Makaravilakku Festival Celebrations Begin

Devotees from across the country are set to climb the sacred hills of Sabarimala on Monday to witness the celestial light, known as Makarajyothi, appearing above the Ponnambalamedu mountains. The holy shrine will open at 2 am for the Makaravilakku Pooja, with the Makara Sankrama Pooja scheduled for 2:46 am. During this auspicious occasion, Lord Ayyappa will be adorned with Thiruvabharanam, the sacred ornaments. The temple will reopen at 5:30 pm, and the Thiruvabharanam procession will be ceremonially received at Saramkuthi. The sacred casket will be received by dignitaries, including Devaswom Minister K. Radhakrishnan and Devaswom Board President P. S. Prasanth, at the revered Kodimaram premises at 6:15 pm. The Deeparadhana ritual at 6:30 pm will see Lord Ayyappa illuminated in the sacred ornaments while the celestial light appears across the Ponnambalamedu amid chants of ‘Saranam Ayyappa.’

The sacred ornaments will grace Lord Ayyappa till January 18, with Neyabhishekam available until January 19. On the 19th, a procession from Manimandapam to Saramkuthi is planned, allowing devotees to witness the adorned deity until the night of January 20. The temple will close its doors with the chanting of Harivarasanam, marking the conclusion of the Makaravilakku festival. This revered event draws lakhs of devotees, and tight safety measures have been implemented in Sabarimala to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for the worshippers.