SABARIMALA: The Lord Ayyappa temple here was opened on Monday for the 21-day-long Makaravilakku festival. Melsanthi Arunkumar Namboothiri opened the sanctum sanctorum at 5 pm in the presence of thantri Kandararu Rajeevaru. After that, the melsanthi lit the fireplace (aazhi). Following this, pilgrims began to ascend holy steps and have darshan.

Malikappuram Melshanti (head priest), Vasudevan Namboothiri, opened the sanctum sanctorum of Malikappuram temple. Sabarimala Executive Officer B. Muraribabu and Administrative Officer Biju V. Nath were present. From today, the temple doors (nada) will remain open from 3 AM to 1 PM and again from 3 PM to 11 PM.

Various rituals, including 'prasada shudha kriya' and 'bimba shudha kriya', will be held on January 12 and 13 ahead of the Makaravilakku festival on January 14. Devotees will witness the reception of the 'thiruvabharanam' (the sacred ornaments) at the Sannidhanam (temple complex), and the 'deeparadhana', adorning Lord Ayyappa idol with jewels, on Makaravilakku day. Pilgrims can offer Neyyabhishekam (ghee offering) until January 18, with darshan available until January 19. The temple will be closed after the customary holy darshan of the royal representative on January 20 morning.