SABARIMALA: Thousands of people are waiting at Sabarimala to see Makara Jyoti on the holy moment when Lord Ayyappa will give darshan to the devotees wearing the Thiruvabharanam (sacred ornaments). The temple premises are filled with prayers.

The Thiruvabharanam procession started from Pandalam Palace through the traditional path and will reach Sharamkuthy at 5.30 pm today. The Devasom officials will receive the procession and escort the Thiruvabharanam to Sannidhanam. The chief priest of the temple (melsanthi) and the tantri will receive the ornaments and adorn the deity. Devaswom Minister K. Radhakrishnan, Devaswom Board president Adv. K Ananthagopan and Board member Adv MS Jeevan will be present. The ritual of 'deeparadhana' will take place at 6.30 pm, following which the ‘Makara Jyoti’ will appear on the Ponnambalamedu hill. The Makara Sankrama Pooja will take place at 8.45 pm. Abhishekam with ghee brought from the Travancore palace will take place in the middle of the pooja. Devotees will be allowed to enter the Sabarimala Sannidhanam only till 12 noon today. Police and Devaswom officials informed that tight security has been provided at all centres for Jyoti darshan.

Revenue of Rs 310.40 crore
Devaswom board president K Ananthagopan said that Rs 310.40 crore was generated by the shrine till January 12 during the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.