Mandala puja held at Sabarimala, hundreds of devotees offer prayers
The Hindu
The ritual marked the culmination of the 41-day-long first leg of the annual pilgrimage season
The ritual marked the culmination of the 41-day-long first leg of the annual pilgrimage season
Large number of devotees thronged the famed Sabarimala temple here on Tuesday seeking the blessings of Lord Ayyappa as the Mandala puja was held at the hillock shrine in the afternoon, marking the culmination of the 41-day-long first leg of the annual pilgrimage season.
The puja was performed under the aegis of tantri (head priest) Kandararu Rajeevaru after adorning the idol of the principal deity with thanka anki, the sacred golden attire brought at the Sannidhanam (temple complex) on Monday evening.
Special rituals including kalabhabhishekam and kalasabhishekam were held as devotees waited in long queues chanting Swamiye saranam Ayyappa to have a glimpse of Lord Ayyappa on the auspicious occasion.
Prominent officials of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) were also present at the sanctum sanctorum when the ceremonies were held.
The temple was closed soon after the Mandala puja and will be opened in the evening for devotees to offer prayers before closing in the night.
The shrine will be closed for three days and reopen on December 30 at 5 p.m. for the Makaravilakku ceremonies, the second leg of the pilgrimage season.
Rising obesity rates in India, particularly among women in South Indian States, highlighted with BMI data and PM Modi's advice.
Special educator Soumya Devadiga selected as coach for Indian team in Special Olympics Winter Games in Italy.
Gade Srinivasulu Naidu wins North Coastal Andhra Pradesh Teachers' Constituency election with overwhelming support from teachers.
Congress alleges BJP government in Madhya Pradesh plans to privatise 40% of forests, displacing tribals from their habitat.
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi advocates renaming Indus Valley Civilization to Saraswathi Civilization, challenging historical narratives.
A study by researchers from NIMHANS, in collaboration with doctors from Australia, United Kingdom and some states in India, has found suicidal ideation and suicide attempts alarmingly high among college students across the country.
First trial run of disposing 10-tonne Union Carbide toxic waste in Pithampur begins after Supreme Court's decision.
Telangana tunnel collapse rescue updates: Follow the Hindu’s updates as Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel rescue operations enter the 11th day
First trial run of disposing 10-tonne Union Carbide toxic waste in Pithampur begins after Supreme Court's decision.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels abduct 130 patients from hospitals in eastern Congo, escalating conflict and sparking international concern.
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi advocates renaming Indus Valley Civilization to Saraswathi Civilization, challenging historical narratives.
Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin increases financial aid for fishermen affected by Sri Lankan Navy, urges lasting solution.
Smooth SSLC exam day in Ernakulam with easy Malayalam paper, proper revision sessions, and over 32,900 students across 325 centers.