Pathanamthitta: The Sabarimala Sreedharmasastha Temple pathway will open at 5 pm on Monday, November 16, marking the commencement of the Mandalapara pilgrimage period. Preparations at the Sabarimala sanctum sanctorum for the Mandalapara poojas in the Vrischikam month have been completed.
In the presence of Tantri Kanthar Brahmadathan, the current Melshanthi E.D. Prasad Namboothiri will open the temple pathway and light the lamp at Srilaktha. Following this, as part of the usual rituals, the Melshanthi will descend to the 18th step and light the sacred fire (Agni) in the homakund. This will signify the inaugural ceremonies of the new Mandalapara pilgrimage season.
Along with the opening of the temple pathway, the inauguration ceremonies for the newly appointed Melshanthis will also take place at the sanctum. Subramanyan Shankaran Namboothiri, appointed as the new Sabarimala Melshanthi, and A. Damodaran Namboothiri, elected as the Malika Puram Melshanthi, will officially assume their duties tomorrow. Holding the ceremonial twin bundles, the newly appointed Melshanthis will be ceremonially led down the 18th step onto the Sopanam by the current Melshanthis. Subsequently, at 6.30 pm, the new Melshanthi’s inauguration ceremony will be conducted at the Sabarimala sanctum, followed by the inauguration of the new Melshanthi at the Malikappuram temple.
These ceremonies are organized in accordance with temple rituals and traditions. With the new Melshanthis assuming office, the primary karmic responsibilities for the major poojas and associated rituals of the Mandalapara period will rest with them.
On Tuesday, November 17, at Vrischikam dawn, the pathways at both the Sabarimala sanctum and Malikappuram temple will be opened under the supervision of the new Melshanthis. This will officially begin the routine pooja schedule of the Mandalapara period.
With the start of the Vrischikam month, pilgrims from various states are expected to arrive at Sabarimala for the Ayyappadarshanam. Meanwhile, to manage the pilgrim traffic and ensure safe journeys during the initial days of the Mandalapara pilgrimage, the police have implemented special arrangements.
Police have informed that pilgrims will be allowed to be transported from Nilakkal to Pampa only after 12 noon on November 16. This measure aims to ensure the safety of pilgrims and orderly movement to the sanctum. Accordingly, the Pathanamthitta District Police Chief has strictly instructed the KSRTC not to operate bus services ferrying pilgrims from Nilakkal to Pampa before 12 noon on November 16.
Pilgrim vehicle services on the Nilakkal–Pampa route will only be permitted at times prescribed by the police. These restrictions seek to prevent unregulated congestion at Nilakkal, Pampa, and the sanctum during the opening phase of the Mandalapara pilgrimage.
In particular, strict adherence to the timetable is required to smoothly complete the ritual ceremonies on the pathway opening day and to effectively control pilgrim movement, police emphasize.
The opening of the Sabarimala pathway on November 16 and the inauguration ceremonies for the new Melshanthis are the key events marking the Mandalapara pilgrimage. With the new Melshanthis opening the pathway at dawn on November 17, the formal Mandalapara worship at Sabarimala will commence. Pilgrims planning their journey from Nilakkal to Pampa must strictly comply with the police-announced time regulations.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
