Sabarimala opens for Thula Masa poojas; CM visits Sannidhanam

THE Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple has opened for the annual Thula Masam poojas, marking the beginning of the Malayalam month’s ritual observances at the hill shrine.

The opening has drawn devotees to Sannidhanam, the temple complex, to offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa during the auspicious period.

Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan also visited Sannidhanam, after reviewing pilgrimage preparations at Pampa and other locations, adding significance to the occasion.

The temple will conduct special poojas as part of the Thula Masam observances. Devotees are expected to visit the shrine during the pooja days, subject to the temple’s pilgrimage arrangements

The temple will remain open until October 22. The selection of new melsanthis (chief priests) for the Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples is scheduled for Sunday morning.

This year's Thula Masam observances are particularly significant as the shrine will remain open on Mahanavami and Vijayadashami, a rare occurrence after several decades.