THIRUVABHARANAM PROCESSION TO BEGIN JANUARY12, 2012

THIRUVABHARANAM PROCESSION TO BEGIN JANUARY12, 2012

Sabarimala: 'Thiruvabharanam' procession, carrying sacred ornaments offered to Lord Ayyappa by the Pandalam King, who adopted Lord Ayyappa as his child, will begin on January 12. The procession, carrying three holy caskets (Thriuvabharana Petti, the Velli Petti and the Kodi Petti) containing the sacred ornaments to be adorned on the idol of Lord Ayyappa on the Makaravilakku day, would proceed towards Sabarimala on the day from Valiya Koyikal Dharma Sastha Temple at Srampickal Palace in Pandalam, official sources said.The 16-member team will leave the temple after sighting a 'Sri Krishna Parunthu' (Brahminy Kite) on the sky above the temple. Every year, a Brahminy Kite, which is believed as the contemporary representation of the mythical Garuda(the vehicle of Lord Vishnu), flies above the Thiruvabaranam boxes.

The procession would pass through Pandalam, Kulanada, Ullannoor, Kuriyanappally, Aranmula, Punnamthottam, Vazhakunnam, and reach Ayroor Puthiyakavu Devi temple for the night stay.
The Thiruvabharanam boxes would be opened for darshan of devotees during its journey as it would be accompanied by armed policemen.On the second day, the procession will touch Idappavoor, Vadasserikara, and Madamon and arrive at Perunadu Sree Dharma Sastha temple for noon rest.Before the second days's halt at Laha Forest Inspection Bungalow, the procession would pass through Koonamkara and Chemmannu. On January 14, the procession travels along Plappally, Nilakkal, Attathode and Kurungayam. After Pampasadya, the procession will go through Valiyanavattom Neelimala, Sabaripeedom, and arrive at Saramkuthi Aal.

At Saramkuthi, the procession will be given a traditional reception by the Travancore Devaswom authorities.After reaching at Sopanam, the Melshanthi and the Thandhri (Chief Priest) would receive the Thiruvabharanam. However, this year, the 'Makarasankramam' and the 'Makaravilaku' would take place on January 15 at 0059 hrs and 1800 hrs respectively, marking the end of the Sabarimala pilgrimage.Normally, no pilgrim is permitted inside the temple from the time of closing the Sanctum Sanctorum after 'Ucha Pooja' until the adornment of the sacred jewels. Makarasankramam would take place on January 15 at 0059 hrs.The 'Deeparadhana' with embellishing the idol of Lord Ayyappa with Thiruvabharanam will take place on January 15 at 1800 hrs, the officials said. 'Gurusi' will take place on Malikappuram on January 20. Later, the temple would open on January 21, but on that day no devotee would be allowed for darshan as the day is completely devoted to the Pandalam King.The return of Thiruvabahrana Yatra would take place on January 21 and the team will rest at Laha on that day and will continue the journey to Perunadu.After the Deeparadhana with decorating the idol there, the Yatra will reach at Aranmula temple on January 23. After a day's rest, it will be brought to Pandalam on January 24. 

                                                                       Prof. John Kurakar