Makarajyoti sighting today at Sabarimala

 The ceremonial procession carrying the Thiruvabharanam (sacred jewellery) of Lord Ayyappa continued on Thursday even as rush peaked near the Sabarimala temple on the eve of the makarajyoti.

The procession commenced from the Pandalam palace on Wednesday in the presence of hundreds of devotees. It is expected to reach the temple by Friday noon. The rituals at the shrine on Friday will formally commence with the arrival of the Thiruvabharanam. The deity will be adorned with the jewellery by the priests.

Thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the country will be at the shrine to witness the Makarajyoti, the celestial star and the Makaravilakku, the symbolic deeparadhana at Ponnambalamedu. Thousands of pilgrims have also been camping at the foothills and on the trekking routes since late on Wednesday in preparation for the makaravilakku.