'Makara vilakku': Hundreds of pilgrims thronged Sabarimala Ayyappa temple

Thiruvananthapuram: Hundreds of pilgrims thronged the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple to watch the 'Makara vilakku' on Wednesday.

The main rituals began with the arrival of the 'Thiruvabharanam' (sacred ornaments) from Pandalam palace, which is believed to be the place where Ayyappa spent his childhood.

The Ayyappa idol was adorned with the sacred ornaments by around 6.30 pm following which the 'Makaravilakku' (lamp) appeared in the Ponnambalamedu hills thrice and Makara jyothi (star) was spotted in the sky.

'Swami Saranam' chanting of devotees echoed in the hills. Pilgrims were camping at various parts of the hills to get a clear view of the 'Makara vilakku'.

The sacred ornaments will be adorned on the idol till January 17 and the temple will close after the two month long pilgrimage by January 19 night.

The police had made elaborate crowd management by regulating the flow of pilgrims. State devaswom minister V N Vasavan and other top officials were present.

This year's pilgrimage happened amidst the Sabarimala gold heist probe leading to the arrest of the temple 'tantri' (traditional chief priest) Kandararu Rajeevaru. Another family member Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru is holding the charge of 'tantri' during this season. Hence the arrest of Rajeevaru did not affect the temple poojas.