Sabarimala (Kerala): Thousands of Ayyappa
devotees from different parts of the country thronged the
famous Sabarimala temple to witness `Makara Jyothi` (a
celestial light) that flickered across the eastern horizon
over the hills.
The `jyothi` appeared within seconds after `deeparadhana`
was performed to the presiding deity Lord Ayyappa on the
auspicious Makara Sankramam this evening.
The temple and surroundings were packed with pilgrims who
chanted `Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa` when the Sanctum Sanctorum
was opened for `deeparadhana darshan`.
The idol of the presiding deity was adorned with
`Thiruvanbahranam` (holy jewels) brought to the shrine in a
ritualistic procession moments before the auspicious occasion.
Tens of thousands of pilgrims had reached the hill shrine
and its base camp Pamba hours before the occasion to have the
darshan, which marked the finale of the two-month long annual
pilgrimage season which had drawn millions to the temple.
"Sabarimala has been an amazing spiritual experience,"
said Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi, who visited the shrine for
the 11th year. "I think everybody, from all walks of life
should have this unique experience", he said.
Heavy security wring had been thrown around the temple
complex, trekking path and at Pamba. Nearly 4,500 police
personnel were deployed as part of security and crowd control
measures.
But for a road mishap that claimed 11 devotees from
Andhra Pradesh two days back, the festival season this year
passed off without any hassles.
PTI
