The much-awaited Thankayangi procession, a significant part of the Sabarimala Mandala Pooja, is set to begin today. The sacred offering, which has its roots in a historical gesture by the King of Thiruvananthapuram, Sree Chithira Thirunal Ramavarma, will depart from the Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple at 7 am. The Thankayangi, a symbol of devotion, has been preserved at the Aranmula Temple and is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. This procession is a key part of the annual Mandala Pooja rituals in Sabarimala.
The procession will pass through various temples and towns on its way to Pampa, where it will arrive on the evening of the 25th. During the Mandala Pooja’s Deeparadhana, the Thankayangi will be offered to the idol of Ayyappa, symbolizing the culmination of devotion and faith. Devotees will have the opportunity to view the Thankayangi in the temple’s elephant enclosure until 7 am, after which it will proceed to its next destinations.
The journey will include receptions at several temples, with the procession resting overnight at the Omallur Rakthakantaswamy Temple. On the afternoon of the 26th, the Mandala Pooja will take place. The procession will continue through several temples, including Sree Narayana Mangalam Dharmashasta Temple and the Cheekkanal Temple, before reaching the Sannidhanam for a ceremonial reception by Devaswom Board officials. This journey marks an essential part of the spiritual practices leading up to the Mandala Pooja in Sabarimala, a time-honored tradition for devotees of Lord Ayyappa.
