Sabarimala: Unprecedented rush of devotees seen ahead of Mandala Puja

The famous temple of Lord Ayyappa here was witnessing a huge crowd like never before on Wednesday morning, when only an hour was left for the presentation of the auspicious Mandal puja at the hilltop sanctuary. At the temple complex, Sannidhanam, long queues of pilgrims could be seen carrying sacred bundles of “Irunmudikettu” on their heads and chanting “Swami Sharanam Ayyappa” mantras. The crowd of devotees was hopeful that they would be able to worship the mandala, marking the conclusion of the first phase of the two-month annual pilgrimage to the temple of Lord Ayyappa. A ceremonial procession carrying the sacred Thanga Anki (Atuendo Dorado) of Lord Ayyappa reached the sanctuary situated on the hill in the evening. According to temple administration sources, the puja was performed after adorning the ‘Anki’ of the idol of the main deity Lord Ayyappa. He said the puja and rituals would be performed between 10.30 am and 11.30 am. After the Mandala puja, the sanctuary will close at 23:00 and will reopen for the rituals of Makaravilakku on 30 December. TDB sources said the rituals at Makaravilakku at the hill temple of Sabarimala will take place on January 15.