The Makaravilak procession begins tomorrow, marking the start of the Malayalam month of Makaram, as the Thiruvabharanam makes its journey from the Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple to Sabarimala. The procession commenced yesterday at 1 pm, with hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, carrying Irumudi Kettu, accompanying the sacred event filled with devotional chants.
The Devaswom Board received the Thiruvabharanam, which had been on display at Srampickal Palace since the start of the Malayalam month of Vrischikam, early yesterday morning. It was then placed for darshan at Valiya Koyikkal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple. In the absence of Valiya Thampuran, Ilaya Thampuran led the ceremonies. At 11 am, Ravi Varma Raja, accompanied by the temple advisory committee and Devaswom board officials, arrived at the temple. Thriketta Nal Rajaraja Varma from the Pandalam Palace and Guruswami Kulathinalil Gangadharan Pillai, the leader of the casket-bearing team, also took part in the procession.
The ceremonial sword, after being handed over by the Melashanti following poojas, was passed to the palace representative leading the procession. As the procession began, the Brahminy kite circled above the temple. The casket with the Thiruvabharanam, carried by Guruswami Gangadharan Pillai, was escorted by a 40-member armed police team, led by Adoor DySP Santosh Kumar and the bomb squad, ensuring security.
The procession paused yesterday at the Ayroor Puthiyakavu Devi Temple and will continue its journey tonight, resting at Lahai Forest Department Inn. The procession is set to reach Sannidhanam tomorrow, where the Devaswom Board authorities will welcome it at Saramkuthi. The Thiruvabharanam will then be received and adorned on the idol in the evening, coinciding with the Makara Jyoti at Ponnambalamedu and the Makara Nakshatra illuminating the sky during the opening of the nada after the Diparadhana ceremony.
