Arattu for Ayyappa Swamy; thousands seeking blessings

SABARIMALA: Ayyappa Swamy's Arattu, held in a devotional atmosphere of sharana mantras, became a sacred sight for the devotees. Thanthri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru and Melshanthi VN Mahesh Namboothiri solemnized the Aarattu yesterday at 12 noon at the Pampa river bathing ghat. Devaswom Board President PS Prashanth, Board member Adv Ajikumar, Devaswom Special Secretary MG Rajamanikyam, ISRO Satellite Center Deputy Director Dr SV Sharma, Kochi Metro Managing Director Loknath Behra and others were present.

After Arattu pujas and Arattu, Ayyappa Swamy was taken to the mandapam of Pampa Ganapati temple. Facilities were provided for the devotees to have darshan. At 4:30 pm the Arattu procession returned to Sannidhanam. As the procession returned to Sannidhanam, the Panguni Uthiram festival came to an end. The nada will be opened on April 10 at 5 pm for the Vishu festival.