The revered temple of Lord Ayyappa in Sabarimala was opened on Saturday for the rituals of the month of Tulum, attracting a large number of pilgrims wishing to honor its sanctity.
On Saturday, the Sabarimala temple opened for the rituals of the month of Tulum during the visit of Kerala State Chief V. D. Satisan and several other high-ranking officials who came to the hill temple to pray.
The Temple Will Open for Pilgrims at 5 AM on Sunday
On Sunday, which marks the first day of the month of Tulum, the temple will open for pilgrims at five in the morning. On this same day, the procedure for selecting new Melasantis, or chief priests, for the temples of Sabarimala and Malikkapuram through a lottery is scheduled.
The rituals of the month of Tulum coincide with the festivals of Mahanavami and Vijayadashami. According to officials, this year's rituals hold special significance as the temple has been open during Mahanavami and Vijayadashami after many decades.