Sabarimala temple - changes in structures but not in rituals and devotions
The internationally famous Sabarimala Ayyappaswami Temple in 1942 was a small structure as is displayed from a very rare picture here. The temple and premises have undergone vast changes during the span of 60 years. But the devotion has only increased as is evident from the pour of devotees from every nook and corner of the country
In 1942, the Sabarimala Ayyappa Swami temple was a single structure as is evident from the rare photo displayed here. The temple at that time was amidst thick and deep forests and the number of devotees were limited compared to the mammoth crowd of people from all the parts of the Country. This year, even a team from Russia had visited Sabarimala as per reports. The present day temple in its rich and opulent structure is eye catching and extra ordinary in appearance. However, the rituals in the temple and practices have not undergone any change as is clear from the closing ceremony that took place at Sabarimala Temple on 20th January 2011.
The famous Sabarimala temple was closed for the season on 20th January 2011 after the customary darshan of Lord Ayyappa by Pandalam Palace representative Shri P.R. Raghava Varma Raja.
Melshanti Ezhikode Sasi Namboodiri on 20th January 2011 opened the doors of sanctum sanctorum at 5 a.m. and the Pandalam Palace representative reached the temple premises immediately after the priest completed the morning rituals in the temple. According to the tradition, the Melshanti kept himself away from the scene to facilitate Royal representative an exclusive darshan. Lord Ayyappan is considered to be the foster son of the erstwhile Pandalam Raja and it was the Pandalam Raja who offered the sacred jewellery Thiruvabharanam to the Ayyappa temple.
Shri Raghava Varma Raja, the Pandalam representative , assisted by an armed guard and accompanied by the Melshanti, Devaswom executive officer and other TDB officials, then descended the Holy 18 steps. The Pandalam Royal family member then handed over the keys of sanctum sanctorum to the Melshanthi in front of the Holy steps with a request to maintain the temple and its premises in purity. Later the Royal representative moved in escort to Pandalam in procession of the Thiruvabharanam.
Thus the curtain falls for another Holy season for Sabarimala
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