As these seasonal events are repeated every year. In order to understand these ceremonies and how they progress, I have described the events from the Timeline 1999-2000. The individuals involved in these events change but their place is taken by corresponding individuals holding the same portfolio and performing the same duty/duties. If there are any major changes in the modalities of conducting these ceremonies, or if some new ceremonies are incorporated , such news would be reflected on these pages on `as needed' basis
Please be reminded that due to ever growing popularity of Sabarimala (or Sannidhanam - The Divine Abode), rate of arrival of pilgrims per annum is increasing many fold. The temple receives millions of pilgrims every year. This has resulted in unprecedented crowds, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons. In fact, the temple precincts and surrounding areas present a scene of never ending queues and milling crowds.
For few days prior to and after Mandala Pooja and Makara
Vilakku,
queues stretch for miles on the
Pampa - Sannidhanam route. Police
authorities are
constrained to erect barricades to ensure crowd control. Pilgrims may not be
allowed to proceed to Sabarimala at will and are liable to be stopped at various
check points en-route. till the police
authorities have assured themselves that sufficient numbers of pilgrims have egressed from Sannidhanam. This is done to reduce excessive crowding at
Sannidhanam. It is not uncommon to find oneself in queues for 8 or 10 hours
at a stretch during the trek from Pampa to Sannidhanam before finally
arriving in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum for a fleeting darshan of the Lord.
This is especially so, during the week 7th Jan to 14th Jan every year.
Crowd Control by Police Authorities
Purification rites to cleanse and sanctify the temple are carried out a day prior to the commencement of the temple festival. The beginning of the festival is symbolised by `Kodiyettam' or hoisting of the flag on the temple flag post (kodi maram).by the Mel Thantri during morning hours. This is done on `Atham' nakshatram day. The Ultsavam lasts for ten days. Ultsava Bali will be conducted from 2nd day onwards.
During Ultsavam days. Special poojas are offered to Lord Ayyappa who is believed to be omnipotent and omnipresent. During this period, poojas and rituals are also conducted in memory of the Lord's `Bhootaganas' and their associates. These poojas are called Ultsava Bali. On the ninth day, Lord's Siveli Vigraham is symbolically taken out, along with the bhootaganas and their associates, for a tour around his territory (in this case till Saram Kuthi). This victorious procession is elaborately conducted and a huge crowd of pilgrims generally follow the procession. This is called Palli Vetta.
When the Lord Returns to the temple, paeans of praise are being sung narrating the history, the story and the exploits of Lord Ayyappa. Simultaneously this reminisces the devotees of the old legends. This form of song narration is called `Nayattu Vili'. Nayattu Vili is performed , at the bottom of the Pathinettam Padi, throughout the temple festival days. The Lord hearing all these tributes sung during Nayattu Vili, relaxes in a contented mood at the Manimandapam. This repose is called `Pallikkurupu'
The hereditary rights to perform Nayattu Vili has been entrusted to the family of Perunad Punnamootil House by Pandalam Maharajah through a proclamation. The story behind this states that the Punnamootil family was brought from Pandinad by Pandalam Maharajah. While Sabarimala temple was being constructed under the supervision of the Maharajah, responsibility for maintaining and inspecting all accounts was entrusted to individuals called `Kankkapillai' (those who kept `kanakku' or accounts). These Kanakkapillais were the ancestors of the present generation of Punnamootil family. In accordance with this hereditary privilege, the present incumbent who performs this ritual is Shri Perumal Pillai of Punnamootil House. Even though he is 80 years old, in 2000 AD, he completed his 37th repetition of this ceremony. The source material for Nayattu Vili consists of 576 Seelus or Chapters and covers all aspects of the Ayyappa story from Dharma Sastha to the Pratishta (Idol Installation) stage.
On the 10th day of the Ultsavam, (Thiruvonam day) is the Aarattu. In this context, it is worth mentioning that normal bathing or cleansing of the holy idol is called `Abhishekam' while `Avagaha Snanam' is called `Aarattu' .The Lord who was reposing in peace at the Manimandapam is gently awakened through prayers and chanting at Brahmamuhurtham (around 3 am) and is ceremoniously taken to the Sreekovil or Sanctum Sanctorum. Pooja rituals are conducted there. After Usha Pooja, the Siveli vigraham (a smaller replica of the idol at the Sanctum Sanctorum, symbolising the powers that are inherent in the main idol) is taken out in royal procession from Sannidhanam to Pampa. At the Aarattu Kadavu at Pampa, the idol is given an abhishekam of `Haridra Churna' (manjal podi). With `Punyaham' and `mantra sudhi' the idol is given a bath by immersion in River Pampa by the Mel Thantri.. Enroute and on the return journey, the procession is enthusiastically welcomed at many points including the Ganapati temple at Pampa where special poojas are conducted. Aaratu signifies the end of the temple Ultsavam (festival).
During the days of the festival, there are chances of minor modifications to the routine timings of the temple. Neyyabhishekham is conducted only from 0430 till 1100 hrs during the Ultsavam days. Further, temple doors close at 1500 hrs after the Ulsavabali and re-opens only at 1700 hrs.
The present `Karmi' of the Manimandapam at Sabarimala temple is is 53 year old (as in 2001 AD) Janardhana Kurup. He is from the family of Angadi Kunnaikad Devi Vilasom. The role of `Karmi' of the Manipmandapam is also hereditary and devolves on the Kunnaikad family. The story related to this right says that this family gave drinking water, at Ranni, to a thirsty Pandalam Maharajah who was en-route to Sabarimala. In gratitude, he proclaimed this hereditary right on Kunnaikad family.
The duties involve forming elaborate `Kalams' daily at the Manimandapam from the 1st to 6th of Malayalam month `Makaram (ie Jan14th to 20th). `Kalam' denotes intricate patterns drawn on the ground. These have religious significance. Kalams are drawn using various material like burnt rice husk powder, rice powder, turmeric powder, green powder, red powder etc. Kalams can be very colourful and very elaborate in design. It is a visual treat to the eye. Religious verses are sung in front of the Kalam. At Sabarimala, these verses start with invocation of Ganapathi or Ganesh and ends with paens of praise for Lord Ayyappa.
 |
| A pilgrim in deep meditation in front of an elaborately created `Kalam' made of various coloured powders |
The journey of the 'Thanka Anki' from Aranmula to Pampa has been covered in the earlier page on Traditional Festivities at Pampa during the Pilgrimage . The Golden Anki (Golden Vestment of of Lord Ayyappa) consists of gold component weighing 450 Sovereigns of gold. It was offered to the Lord by Sri Chithira Thirunal, erstwhile Maharajah of Travancore State, in 1973.
Coverage of the 'Thanka Anki' procession, from Saramkuthi to Sannidhanam (Timeline 1999 - 2000):-
The 'Thanka Anki' procession which had set course from Pampa at about 1500 hrs on 26th December 1999 arrived at Saramkuthi by 1700 hrs. Meanwhile Sannidhanam Executive officer AC Godavarma and Asst Executive Officer Jayakumar after having prostrated in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum in worship of Lord Ayyappa, was blessed by the Mel Santhi. They were given two 'malas' sanctified by pooja. The presentation of the 'malas' was to indicate Lord's implicit permission to accept the 'Thanka Anki' on his behalf. Accompanied by an 'Oracle', these authorities then proceeded to Saramkuthi Aal, accepted the 'Anki' and returned ceremonially to 'Sannidhanam'.
In front of the Sanctum Sanctorum, the 'Golden Anki' was received by Mel Santhi G Parameswaran Nampoothiri and Mel Thantri Kantar Neelakantar and taken inside the Sanctum Sanctorum. Behind closed doors, Lord Ayyappa's idol was adorned with the Golden Anki. At 1830 hours,, the Sanctum Sanctorum doors were thrown open for pubic view and `'deeparadhana' performed. Loudly chanting 'Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa' in unison, huge crowds of pilgrims offered their prayers at that auspicious moment.
The period from the 1st of Vrichikam to 11th fo Dhanu (of the Malayalam Calendar) is traditionally called observed as the period of Mandala. Mandala pooja is conducted on the 41st day after the 1st of Vrichikam (malayalam month). In terms of importance and attendance, Mandala Pooja is second only to Makara Vilakku. Mandala Pooja signifies 41 days of austerities since austerities followed by an orthodox devotee would normally commence on Vrichikam 1st.
On 28th of Dhanu (Jan 12th), the procession starts from Valiya Koyikal Dharma Sastha Temple. On the night of 27th Dhanu (Jan 11th), in the presence of the Pandalam Palace Management Committee members, in the presence of the current Valia Thampuran (Punartham Nal K Ravi Varma Raja) who will hand over the `Thiruvabharanams' to Devaswom Board.
The ornaments are adorned on the idol at Valiya Koyikal before the Sanctum Sanctorum of that temple is opened on Dhanu 28th (Jan 12th). Till 12 noon, the doors are kept open for the devotees to have a darshan. Huge crowds congregate at Valiya Koyikal temple during this period.
At noon, the doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum are closed, and in the presence
of the Valia Thampuran, special poojas are conducted. At that time only the
members of the royal family, Mel Santhi and those designated to carry the `Thriuvabharanams'
to Sannidhanam are permitted to be present in the temple. After poojas and
Deeparadhana, the containers are closed, covered with silk and garlands of
marigolds placed on them. A sword which would have been sanctified, by the Mel Santhi,
during
the earlier poojas is also handed over to Valia Thampuran. While receiving the sword,
Valia Thampuran offers a traditional monetary tribute to the Mel Santhi.
Then a
12 member procession party (led by Guruswamy Kochuthandil Bhaskara Pillai) takes
blessings and Vibhuti from the Valia Thampuran and steps forward to carry the `Thiruvabharanams'
in procession to Sannidhanam. The Web Master interviewed at the Malikapuram
temple on 19th January 2004. Guruswamy Bhaskara Pillai stated that as on
Makaravilakku 2004, he had completed his 59th trip to Sabarimala with the
Thiruvabharanam procession.
 |
| PK Bhaskara Pillai Kochuthundil House Thonnallur Pandalam PO Kerala 689501 Phone: +91 4734 251467 |
 |
| Some of the Thiruvabharanam Party Members with Guruswamy Bhaskara Pillai |
| Photographs taken by the Web Master on 19th January 2004 at Malikapuram Temple |
The Valia Thampuran hands over the sanctified
sword to his representative Vadekke Kottarathil Ashwati Nal Rama Varma Raja and
instructs him to accompany the procession.
Thiruvanbharanam procession carries three cases or caskets. They are the main Thriuvabharanam box, the Velli Petti and the Kodi Petti. These contain the following:
Box 1
Thirumugham
Prabha Mandalam
Valia Churika
Cheria Churika
Aana (Elephant) - 2 (miniature replica)
Kaduva - 1 (miniature replica)
Velli Kettia Valampiri Sankh - 1 (Conch shell with q right hand spiral - Silver
covered)
Lakshmi Roopam
Poothattam (A ceremonial plate for carrying flowers)
Navarathna Mothiram (Navarathnam ring)
Sarapoli Mala - Traditional temple necklace
Velakku Mala - Traditional temple necklace
Mani Mal - Traditional temple necklace
Erukkum Poomala - Traditional temple necklace
Kanchambaram
Box 2
Thaila Kudam for Kalasam
Required Pooja utensils
Box 3
Kodi Petti
Netti Pattom for the elephant
Chattah Idunna Jeevatha
Flags of Talapara and Udampara
Mezhuvatta Kuda
Day 1
On 28th Dhanu (Jan 12th) at 1300 hrs, the doors of the temple are opened. To the accompaniment of religious music, chanting of Saranams, vocal `kurava vili' and led by lit camphor containers, the procession party in a state of `thullal' commences the procession carrying the `Thiruvabharanams'. The Valia Thampuran and other family members follow the procession in palanquins. They arrive at Kaipuzha Palace to seek the blessings of Valia Thampurati (the Senior Queen of the family). After that the procession proceeds along the route Pandalam - Kulanada - Ullannoor - Aranmula - Pambadi Mannu and reaches Ayiroor temple for overnight halt.
Day 2
On the second day, ie 29th Dhanu (13th Jan) they travel along Puthiyakavu - Ayikkakunnu - Vadaserikara - Madamon - Perinad - Arackal Padikal and reaches `Laha' for another overnight halt.
Day 3
On 30th Dhanu/Makaram 1st (14th Jan) the procession travels along Nilakkal - Kurungayam - Valianavattom - Neelimala - Sabaripeedom and reaches Saramkuthi Aal by around 1730 hrs Indian Standard Time. A rousing reception is given to the party and the procession is escorted forward to Sannidhanam. The ornaments are adorned on the deity at Sannidhanam behind closed doors and then the doors are thrown open for Deeparadhana and darshan. Makara Jyothi is seen at Ponnambalamedu and the divine star is also sighted. The crowd, in front of the temple, at this time is huge by any standard.
The senior most Thampuran never visits Sabarimala. The Younger Thampuran is the one accompanying the procession. He too leaves the main procession at Cheriyanavattom/Valiyanvattom as it is not considered auspicious to have a darshan of the Lord during `Mandala Kalam'. Thampuran moves onto Pampa and stays there till Makaram 3rd (Jan 17th). Thampuran reaches Saramkuthi Aal on 3rd of Makaram. He is received with `Poorna Kumbham' and rides to Sannidhanam atop an elephant. At Sannidhanam, the Mel Santhi reverently washes Thampuran's feet and offers him a coconut. After breaking the coconut, he enters the temple and has a darshan of the Lord. After darshan , he proceeds to take rest at the rest room located at Malikapuram temple. He continues to stay at Malikapuram Temple till the `Guruthi' there is over.
Meanwhile on 18th Jan (Makaram 4th) `Kalababhishekam' is conducted on behalf of the Thampuran at Sannidhanam. This is mainly to cool the idol which would have been receiving a never ending series of abhishekams. After that no abhishekams of any kind are performed. After the `Guruthi' at Malikapuram temple on 19th January, that temple closes and Thampuran arrives at the main temple to stay there for the night. No pilgrims are permitted into the temple after that till the Thampuran leaves with `Thiruvabharanams'. When Thampuran visits the temple to have private darshan on no one other than the Mel Santhi is permitted to be present. .
On the last day of the Makara Vilakku celebrations ie Makaram 5th morning, no pooja except A Ganapati Homam is conducted at the temple. It is a poignant moment that day when the Thampuran has a private darshan of Ayyappa who was looked after by Thampuran's ancestors. No one is permitted inside the temple premises including the Thantris and Santhis. After a few minutes of solitary darshan and prayer, the Mel Santhi re-appears and asks for his permission to remove the Thiruvabharanams and close the temple. The key of the Sanctum Sanctorum is handed over to Thampuran. Thampuran receives the keys and offers a monetary tribute (pana kizhi) to the Mel Santhi and exhorts him to perform all the due religious rituals punctiliously till the end of his tenure.. Thampuran then hands over the keys to the Devaswom Manager. Thereafter the return journey of the party, along with the Thiruvabharanam, starts for Pandalam.
Makara Sankranti is the first day of the month of Makaram when the sun moves from the zodiac of Dhanus to that of Makaram. This is the most important occasion for Sabarimala temple. The temple awaits the arrival of `Thiruvabharanams' and after adornment of `Thiruvabharanams', aarti is offered. At this time, on the eastern side on Ponnambala Medu, Makara Jyothi is visible to the large number of pilgrims who wait anxiously for this holy sighting.
From the time the Sanctum Sanctorum doors close after `Ucha Pooja', till the temple doors are opened after adornment of `Thiruvabharanams' no pilgrim is permitted inside the temple.
Makara Jyothi is observed along the eastern crest line of the hills
Makara Jyothi is observed, as a glowing light on the eastern hill ridge at Ponnambalamedu. This occurs almost at the same time as the aarti inside the Sanctum Sanctorum which is conducted after adorning the idol on Lord Ayyappa with the `Thiruvabharanams'. Lakhs of devotees and believers throng all vantage points to get a glimpse of this sight. The above picture was taken , looking eastwards, from a vantage point inside the temple complex.. Also prominently seen in the picture is the `Kodimaram' or `flag post' of the temple at Sannidhanam (the holy seat) which is a nom -de- plume by which the devotees refer to the temple and surrounding areas.
As far as temple closing is concerned, generally it takes place after Athazha
Pooja on the last day. The final cleansing rituals are performed after the night pooja
on the last day. The closing ceremony is very elaborate and full of
significances. Ayyappa's panchaloha idol which has undergone
so many abhishekams needs to be cooled and cleansed perfectly. This is usually
done through a `Kalabhabhishekam' during the earlier part of the day. After `Kalabhabhishekam' no abhishekams of
any kind is performed. No women are permitted to witness these rituals or at
least the part portion of these. . Even the
elderly malikapurams, who may be present in the temple, are requested to
move out of the direct line of sight of the deity. Ayyappa's idol is cleansed
thoroughly and covered with holy
ashes or Bhasmam. A silk turban is place atop the idol's head. A
stick and a `Japamala' are placed in his hands. Prayers are offered ,
Singing of `Harivarasanam' starts. As each verse is sung, the oil lamps in front
of the idol are extinguished one by one. Just prior to the last verse ending,
the last of the assistant Santhis leave the Sanctum Sanctorum. As the last verse
finishes, the last set of oil lamps is extinguished by the Mel Santhi who then
exits the Sanctum Sanctorum and locks the doors. It is said that this is done to
leave Ayyappa in perfect tranquility to continue his meditation during the
`closed' days till the temple re-opens for the next season.
The exception is the closing of the temple on Jan 20th after
the Makaravilakku session. In this case, the temple closes on the morning
of Jan 20th. The `Kalabhishekham' is perfomed on the morning of Jan 18th.
After that no Neyyabhishekham is performed. Last darshan
for the pilgrims is on the night of Jan 19th. After the temple closes on Jan
19th, no pilgrim is allowed to enter the temple.
On Jan 19th night, a Guruthi is performed at Malikapuram temple.
On the morning of Jan 20th, the temple is opened and a Ganapthi Homam is performed. Then the remaining time till the temple closes is reserved exclusively for the representatives of Pandlam Royal family to offer their prayers.
(This is a based on a Timeline 1999-2000. For exact details of the current year, devotees are requested to cross check with Devasom Board or Ayyappa Seva Sangham.)
From the time the doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum closes after Ucha Pooja, till the doors re-open for Deeparadhana after adornment of `Thiruvabharanams' on the idol, pilgrims will not be allowed to climb the Pathinettam Padi.
Arrival of `Thiruvabharanams' is towards late evening.
Deeparadhana will be performed after the idol is adorned with Thiruvabharanams (at this time Makara Jyothi at Ponnambalamedu can be seen along with the `Star'.) . Some TV Channels like AsiaNet/Surya etc may present a live coverage of the event.
Makara Sankrama Pooja will be conducted inside the temple at 2250 hrs.
On Makara Vilakku day, `Neyyabhishekam' and `Ellu Nivedyam' will be performed on behalf of the Ambalapuzha and Aalangat Petta Thullal group. On 15th, special Siveli of the Ambalapuzha group will be conducted at Sannidhanam. Accompanied by traditional music and escorted by caparisoned elephants and ceremonial `thala poli' the group will set out from the temple of Malikapurath Amma. They proceed to Pathinettam Padi and as the Siveli reaches the Pathinettam Padi, the steps are ceremoniously cleaned and obeisance paid to the holy steps by lighting camphor flames
Due to continual heating of the idol by Neyyabhishekam, Kalabhabhishekam will be
conducted on behalf of the Maharaja of Pandalam on 19th January to cool
the idol. There will be no `Neyyabhishekhams' after January 18th. `Guruthi' will
be on Jan 19th.
15th to 18th January (Malikapuram Temple)
Malikapurathamma is taken out on `Ezhunnelippu' (Royal Procession) to Sarmakuthi Aal everyday from 15th to 18th January 2000 to check if any `Kanni Ayyappan' has arrived at Sabarimala during that year (symbolised by deposit of new arrows at Sarmakuthi Aal).
At 2200 hrs , there will be a Guruthi at the Malikapurathamma Temple, no one will be permitted into the Malikapurathamma temple after the Guruthi. Pandalam Elayarajah leaves his abode at Malikapuram after the Guruthi and proceeds to Sannidhanam to spend the night there. Pilgrims are not permitted inside the main Sabarimala temple after 19th January Night (after the temple doors close).
Only Ganapathi Homam will be conducted at the main temple on 20th January morning. After that the Pandalam royal family representative will have his private darshan of the Lord. None including the Thantris and Santhis are permitted to be present during this time.
After offering prayers at the temple, `Thiruvabharanams' are handed over to him. The temple is closed and the key of the Sanctum Sanctorum is also handed over to him. He offers a monetary tribute to the Mel Santhi and immediately thereafter the key is handed back to the Mel Santhi with instructions that he should conduct all rituals punctiliously till his tour of duty is over and that he should instruct his successor to do the same. The Mel Santhi in turn hands over the key to the Devaswom Manager.
Immediately thereafter Pandalam Representatives commence their return journey via Pampa along with the `Thiruvabharanams'.
Copyright
© 1999 Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangham (ABASS). All rights
reserved
Created and Hosted by NetVigilante