‘Vilakkinezhunnellippu’ Ritual Begins at Sabarimala Temple
SABARIMALA: The sacred ritual of Vilakkinezhunnellippu, one of the most significant events of the annual festival at the Sabarimala temple, commenced on Sunday with great devotion and fanfare.
As part of the five-day ritual, a grand procession featuring the thidambu—which carries the Sribali idol of Lord Ayyappa—was taken out from the Sopanam after the Athazha Pooja at 9 PM. The idol was mounted on a caparisoned elephant, symbolizing divine presence and majesty.
The procession was led by artists performing traditional percussion ensembles, including Panchavadyam, as they ceremonially circumambulated the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) seven times. The Vilakkinezhunnellippu will culminate on the ninth day of the festival, April 10.
Another key highlight of the festivities is Pallivetta, which will also be observed on April 10.
The festival will conclude with the Aarattu ceremony on April 11 at 11:30 AM at Arattukadavu, situated opposite the Pampa Lord Ganapathi temple. The ritual will be led by Thantri Kandararu Brahmadathan in the presence of Melsanthi Arunkumar Nampoothiri.
The Thidambu procession will depart from Sannidhanam to Pampa for the ceremonial bath (Aarattu). Following the ceremony, the procession will return to Sannidhanam by 6:30 PM. The annual festival will officially conclude with the closure of the temple after the Valiyakanikka and Athazha Pooja at 10 PM.
