SABARIMALA: The annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season at Sabarimala came to a solemn close last night (January 19) with the performance of the traditional Guruthi Pooja in front of the Malikappuram Manimandapam.
The rituals marked the final conclusion of this year’s holy season. The ceremony took place after the main sanctum (Sannidhanam) was closed following the recitation of ‘Harivarasanam’, in the reverent presence of the Pandalam Palace representative, Punartham Nal Narayana Varma.
Visual Highlights: The Guruthi Ritual
The ritualistic atmosphere was intense and vibrant. In front of the Manimandapam, a specialized floor pattern comprising 64 squares (kallams) was created using plantain stems (vazhappola) and tender coconut leaves (kuruthola).
- The Setting: A traditional torch (pantham) was lit in the center of the Kalam. The area was beautifully adorned with traditional oil lamps (nilavilakku), flower bunches, and garlands, creating a divine ambiance for the devotees witnessing the event.
The Ceremony Details
The rituals began after the Pandalam Royal representative returned to Malikappuram following his worship at the Sannidhanam.
The Guruthi involved the offering of ‘Ninam’—a red ceremonial mixture made of turmeric powder and lime—and the ritualistic cutting of an ash gourd (kumbalanga). Following the pooja, the holy prasadam was distributed to the devotees present.
Prior to the Guruthi, the Malikappuram temple sanctum was closed, and the Melshanthi (Chief Priest) had returned to the Sannidhanam.
Leadership and Conclusion
The Guruthi ritual was led by traditional rights holders from the Ranni Kunnakkattu family:
- Ratheesh Ayyappa Kurup
- Ajith Janardana Kurup
- Jayakumar Janardana Kurup
Following the ceremony, in the presence of the Royal representative, the priests locked the Manimandapam and formally handed over the keys to the Devaswom Board authorities. Notably, the Manimandapam was open for darshan for only six days in connection with the Makaravilakku festival.
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