The Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple opened on Saturday for the Thulam month rituals, with Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan and several other dignitaries visiting the hill shrine to offer prayers.In the presence of Tantri Kandar Brahmadathan, head priest Prasad E D opened the sanctum sanctorum and lit the ceremonial lamp. The sacred fire was then kindled in the Aazhi, located below the 18 holy steps leading to the shrine.According to news agency ANI, Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan, Travancore Devaswom Board President K Jayakumar, Keralam State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar, and MLAs Pazhakulam Madhu and C V Shanthakumar were among those, who arrived at the Sannidhanam to seek the blessings of Lord Ayyappa.Despite persistent heavy rainfall, thousands of devotees gathered at the hill shrine to offer prayers.
Temple to open for devotees at 5 am on Sunday
The temple will open to devotees at 5 am on Sunday, marking the first day of the Thulam month. The selection of the new Melsanthies, or chief priests, for the Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples is also scheduled for the day through a draw of lots.
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The selection process for the Sabarimala Melsanthi will take place at the Sopanam at 7.30 am, following the Usha Pooja. Sabarimala Special Commissioner R Jayakrishnan and Devaswom commissioner B Sunilkumar will supervise the proceedings.The draw of lots to select the Malikappuram Melsanthi will subsequently be held at the Malikappuram temple.
Thulam rituals coincide with Mahanavami and Vijayadashami
According to officials, this year’s Thulam month rituals are particularly significant as the temple has opened during Mahanavami and Vijayadashami after several decades.The temple will close at 10 pm on October 22, following the conclusion of the Thulam month rituals.
