New Head Priests for Sabarimala and Malikappuram Temples
On October 17, S Arun Kumar Namboothiri from Thottathil Madom in Kollam was chosen as the head priest of the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala. Vasudevan Namboothiri from Thirumangalathu Illam in Kozhikode was selected as the head priest of the Malikappuram Devi temple. They will assume their roles on November 16, 2024, marking the start of the Mandala-Makaravilakku season.
Selection Process
The selection took place at Sannidhanam after the Usha Pooja at the Ayyappa Temple. The head priest for Sabarimala was chosen by drawing lots, with Rishikesh Varma from the Pandalam Palace participating. The selection for Malikappuram was conducted at the temple, with Vaishnavi, a child representative from the Pandalam Palace, drawing the lot. Key officials, including Devaswom Board President PS Prasanth, were present.
Government Preparations
Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, assured that pilgrims without online registration will have a smooth darshan. Meetings were held to ensure smooth arrangements for the pilgrimage season, involving various departments and agencies. Facilities like ambulance services, emergency medical centers, and road safety measures are being enhanced for the Mandala-Makaravilakku season, a significant two-month pilgrimage period.
Doubts Revealed
Sabarimala Temple -: Sabarimala Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the state of Kerala, India. It is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and is one of the largest annual pilgrimage sites in the world.
Malikappuram Temple -: Malikappuram Temple is located near the Sabarimala Temple and is dedicated to Malikappurathamma, a goddess worshipped by devotees visiting Sabarimala.
Mandala-Makaravilakku season -: The Mandala-Makaravilakku season is a special pilgrimage period at Sabarimala Temple, usually lasting from mid-November to mid-January. It includes important rituals and festivals for devotees.
Drawing lots -: Drawing lots is a method used to make a decision by randomly selecting from a group of options. In this context, it was used to select the head priests for the temples.
Sannidhanam -: Sannidhanam refers to the main temple complex at Sabarimala where the deity is enshrined. It is a sacred place for devotees.
Kerala’s Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister of Kerala is the head of the government in the Indian state of Kerala. The Chief Minister oversees the administration and ensures smooth functioning of state affairs.
Pilgrims -: Pilgrims are people who travel to a sacred place for religious reasons. In this context, they are visiting the Sabarimala Temple during the pilgrimage season.
