Makara jyothi - End of Makaravilakku Season in Sabarimala hill

The Hindu Portal

November 10, 2015

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The ceremony starts two days before the Makara Jyothi day. On January 12th, the procession of Thiruvabharanam (presented by Pandalam King) of the sacred jewels of the Lord starts from Valiya Koyikal Dharma Sastha Temple. The Thiruvanbharanam is carried in three cases or caskets, namely, the main Thriuvabharanam box, the Velli Petti and the Kodi Petti.

The procession arrives at Kaipuzha Palace to seek the blessings of Valia Thampurati (the Senior Q of the family) and then proceeds along the route Pandalam - Kulanada - Ullannoor - Aranmula - Pambadi Mannu and reaches Ayiroor temple for the night stay.
On 14th January, the procession travels along Nilakkal - Kurungayam - Valianavattom - Neelimala - Sabaripeedom and arrives at Saramkuthi Aal. Each year, a Garuda (Brahminy Kite which is believed as the contemporary representation of the mythical Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu) flies above the Thiruvabaranam boxes to guard them.

The Melshanthi and Thandhri (chief priest) then receive the Thiruvabharanam and the Lord AYYAPPA is adorned with the ornaments at the rear of closed doors. No pilgrim is permitted inside the temple from the time of closing the Sanctum Sanctorum after ‘Ucha Pooja’ until the adornment of the sacred jewels. The doors are then opened for Deeparadhana and Darshan. At the same time, the holy Makara Jyothi is seen at Ponnambalamedu. This occasion marks the end of the Sabarimala pilgrimage.

Makara Vilakku

devotees waits at the Sannidhanam of Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala ...

During the night after Makara Jyothi, Malikapurathamma, ascending on an elephant, approaches the Pathinettampadi and returns to her residence. This event is the starting of the Makara Vilakku festival which lasts for seven days. After Makara Vilakku is the Guruthi Pooja which is an offering of water mixed with Chunnambu (slaked lime) and turmeric powder to the forest deities

End of Makaravilakku Season

The closing of the temple takes place after the Athazha Pooja (the night pooja) on the last day. Previously, Kalababhishekam is performed to cool the deity which would have gone through numerous abhishekams. No abhishekam is conducted after this ritual. Then the idol of Lord Ayyappa is covered with Bhasmam or holy ashes and a silk turban is placed on the top of the idol. A stick and a Japamala are kept in his hands followed by prayers and singing of Harivarasanm – the sacred devotional Song of Lord Dharma Shasta. The oil lamps in front of the idol are put off one by one, as each verse is sung. Just at the end of the last verse, the last set of oil lamps is turned off by the Melsanthi (Mel Santhi) and he exits the Sanctum Sanctorum, locking the doors. This is done to leave the Lord in silence to resume his meditation until the temple re-opens for the next season.
Harivaraasanam- The sanctum sanctorum closes with this song, each day.

Harivaraasanam Viswamohanam

Haridhadheeswaram Aaradyapaadukam

Arivimardhanam Nithyanarthanam