All in place for Makarajyothi darsan

SABARIMALA: Preparations have been completed at Lord Ayyappa  temple for the auspicious occasion of makarajyothi darsan on Sunday.Sannidhanam and adjoining areas of the temple have been overflowing with lakhs of pilgrims gathered to witness Makaravilakku and makarajyothi, the star to be sighted in the sky on the north-east part of the temple.Makarasamkrama Pooja HeldMakarasamkrama pooja, one of the important poojas as part of the Makaravilaku festival, was held at 12.59 am on Sunday.Thantri Kandararu Maheswararu performed the ritual connected with the pooja in the presence of  Melsanthi N Balamurali.As part of the ritual, the coconuts filled with ghee brought from Kowdiar Palace of Travancore Royal family were offered to Lord Ayyappa by breaking open the coconut and performing abhishekam on the idol.Makaravilakku at 6.30 pmMakaravilakku, the auspicious occasion of deeepardhana after adorning the Thiruvabharanam on the idol of Lord Ayyappa, will be held at 6.30 pm on Sunday. Before the ceremony, the Thiruvabharanam procession will be accorded a traditional reception on its arrival in front of the golden flag mast at sopanam at 6.10 pm.  After the reception, the Thiruvabharanam will be taken to the sreekovil where it would be received by thantri Kandararu Maheswararu and Melsanthi N Balamurali.The five-day procession from Malikappuram Devi temple to Lord Ayyappa temple will begin on January 15.The ‘Thidambu’  carrying Malikappuram Devi on a caparisoned elephant would be taken out from Malikappuram temple after deeparadhana to the Holy Steps from January 15 to 18.