Sabarimala opens for Makaravilakku festival: dolly service disrupted on opening day

PATHANAMTHITTA: The dolly service at Sabarimala faced severe disruption on the very first day of the Mandala–Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. With the service unavailable, pilgrims with physical disabilities were forced to wait for long hours at Pampa. The disruption is believed to have occurred because the required inspection by the Public Works and Vigilance departments was not completed on time. Devotees also alleged that despite the disruption, the service was still being arranged for those with influence.

Meanwhile, the temple rituals commenced in the presence of Tantri Kantararu Mahesh Mohanaru. Melsanthi Arun Kumar Namboothiri opened the sanctum and lit the ceremonial lamp. He then descended the sacred 18 steps to ignite the homakunda fire. Following this, the newly selected Sabarimala Melsanthi, E.D. Prasad of Chalakkudy Vasupuram Mattathurkunne Erannur Mana, and the new Malikappuram Melsanthi, M.G. Manu Namboothiri of Kollam Mayyanad Kuttikkad Ayiratheng Muttathumadam, were ceremonially escorted up the 18 steps to the Sopanam.

After the darshan, the Tantri performed Kalashabhishekam for the new Sabarimala Melsanthi at the Sopanam and guided him into the sanctum. He was seated near the Ayyappa idol, where the Tantri recited the moolamantra to formally induct him into the position. A similar ceremony was held at the Malikappuram temple to install M.G. Manu Namboothiri as the new Melsanthi there.

The outgoing Sabarimala Melsanthi, Arun Kumar Namboothiri, and Malikappuram Melsanthi, T. Vasudevan Namboothiri, will step down the 18 steps and return home after the temple closes at 10 p.m. tonight.