#5098 Author:  T.M.Sankaran Member Level: Gold Member Rank: 25 Date: 17/Nov/2011 Rating:  Points: 5 |
'Vrischikam' month has begun from today. for forty five days the Sabari mala shrine will be open for the devotees. Thousands of devotees have started pouring in.
Yesterday night after closing the sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) the new Melsanthy (head priest)has taken charge. The outgoing Melsanthy opens the Sreekovil in the evening and after certain rituals like awaking the Lord from 'thapas' doing some poojas and lighting the huge homakunda, leads the new Melsanthy to the sreekovil, where the Thanthry (the authority of thanthrik rituals of the temple) takes the new Melsanthy into the Sreekovil. Then he will be taught the secret rhyme (Moola manthra) for worshiping the Lord Ayyappa. Then they come out and the rest of the day's rituals will be conducted by the outgoing Melsanthy.
After finishing all and allowing the devotees to worship, the Sreekovil will be closed and the key handed over to the new Melsanthy. The outgoing one leaves the temple for the first time after having entered there exactly one year back.
Without much delay outgoing Melsanthy starts to his home to join his family.
A hearty reception was given to the outgoing Melsanthy Sasi Nambudiri at his home at Paimkulam (near Shoranur). Thousands participated in the function and all were given a feast by Melsanthy.
T.M.Sankaran
Gold Member, SPK
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