Sabarimala: A ten-day annual festival in connection with the Malayalam month of Meenam began at the world famous Lord Ayyappa temple here on Tuesday.
As part of the festival, Head Priest (Melsanthi) Vasudevan Nampoothiri opened the Sreekovil at 1700 hrs in the presence of Chief Priest (Tantri) Kandararu Rajeevaru on Monday.
Later, the Head Priest lit the sacred fireplace (Aazhi) at the Lower Tirumuttom with the fire brought from the sanctum sanctorum.
After the customary rituals, a new door built in gold was installed at the Sreekovil.
The 10-day festival began with 'Kodiyettu' ceremony (hoisting the flag) at 0730 hrs on Tuesday.
Later, 'Uutsavabali' and 'Sreebhoothabali' rituals were held and these ceremonies will be continued till the last day of the festival.
'Arattu' will be performed on March 21. The procession carrying 'Sreebali' idol will be taken out from Sannidhanam at 0900 hrs on March 21. The procession will return to the temple at 1830 hrs.
Later the temple will be closed at 2200 hrs on March 21 after Athazha pooja and Harivarasanam marking the culmination of the festival.
