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Sunday, January 13, 2013

Makara Vilakku

 Sabarimala being one of the most important and famous pilgrim centres in SouthIndia do attract millions of devotees every year. After the Thirupathi temple, Sabarimala is known to be the next choice for pilgrims who come from states including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu other than lakhs of devotes from the home state Kerala. The period from mid November to the third week of January is considered to peak time when pilgrims flock into the Sabarimala temple to worship Lord Ayyappa and watch the much popular event Makaravilakku.

Located in the Western Ghats mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta, Sabarimala do attract around 45-50 million devotes every year. According to legend, Sabarimala is the place where Lord Ayyappa meditates. The Ayyappan temple situated on the top of the hill which is surrounded by mountains and forests. Being a Hindu pilgrim centre, Sabarimala will be opened for worship during Madalapooja, Makaravilakku and Vishu. More than that, the first six days of each Malayalam month will also receive devotees to the temple. During the 41 days of strict vratham, prior to the pilgrim, they do keep their mind and body free from evil thoughts. The 52 km mountainous forest path starting from Erumely is a traditional path which the devotees follow. Administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), the temple welcome an estimated 5 crore people every year.

According to the belief, during the day of Makara Vilakku Lord Dharmasasta will stop his tapas and give blessing to his devotees. Makara Jyothi which means 'Light of Capricon' is a ritual which takes place in the Sabrimala Temple during Makara Sankranti which falls every year on 14th January. 

According to the belief, the jyothis is believed to be a celestial phenomenon and watching it would bring fortunate and blessings. During the time Aarathi is performed at Ponnabalemdu. A procession of Thiruaabarana(jewels) brought from the Padalam Palace to Sabarimala will be adorned to idol of Lord Ayyappa. 

The government of Kerala has taken valuable steps to keep the pilgrims safe and to prevent misshapes. Special police personalities are being deployed along with emergency requirements like ambulance, fire force and all other safety measures.

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