The ceremonial procession carrying the Thiruvabharanams (sacred ornaments) to be adorned on Lord Ayyappa for the Makaravilakku festival will commence from the Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Sree Dharmasastha Temple today, the 12th, at around 1:00 PM.
The procession is being led by the Royal Representative Punartham Nal Narayana Varma. A local holiday has been declared today within the limits of Pandalam Municipality.
A team of 26 bearers, led by Guruswami Maruthamana Sivankutty, along with 4 assistants, making a total of 30 members, will carry the Thiruvabharanams to Sabarimala.
The palanquin bearers of the Royal Representative are a 12-member team led by Guruswami Ajayakumar. The procession also includes Anil Kumar Kurup, carrying the ceremonial sword and shield. The procession will reach Sabarimala on the third day.
The Deeparadhana after adorning the Thiruvabharanams will be held at around 6:30 PM on the same day. On January 18, the Kottaram Vaka Kalabhabhishekam will be performed, followed by the Guruthi ritual on January 19, in the presence of the Royal Representative. Darshan for devotees at Sabarimala will be available only until the night of January 19.
On January 20, at 6:00 AM, the temple will be closed and the Royal Representative will begin the return journey, carrying the Thiruvabharanams down the sacred steps. On January 21, Thiruvabharanam darshan will be held at the Perunadu Ayyappa Temple from 1:30 PM to 2:00 AM.
On January 22, Thiruvabharanam darshan will be held at the Aranmula Palace. On January 23, the procession will reach Pandalam at around 8:00 AM, where it will be accorded a grand reception. The Thiruvabharanams will then be moved directly to the Palace strong room, and no darshan will be permitted there.
