Thu Oct 17 05:55:25 UTC 2024: ## Sabarimala Temple Opens for Thulamasam Pooja Amidst Controversy
**Sabarimala, Kerala:** The Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple opened its doors yesterday evening for the Thulamasam Pooja, a major festival in the temple’s calendar. The doors were opened by the chief priest, P.N. Mahesh, in the presence of the Tantri, Kanthar Rajivar, and Kanthar Brahmadathan. The poojas will commence this morning with the Ashtadhravya Mahaganapathi Homam and will continue till 10 pm on 21st October when the temple doors will be closed.
The selection of the new chief priest, however, has been mired in controversy. The High Court’s Division Bench, comprising Justices Anil K. Narayanan and P.G. Ajith Kumar, ruled to exclude T.K. Yogesh Namboothiri from the shortlist due to his failure to provide adequate proof of his experience in poojas.
However, the Court permitted M. Pramod, who was earlier accused of not having sufficient experience, to participate in the selection process. This decision was based on the presence of work experience documents in his application file.
The draw of lots to choose the new chief priests for Sabarimala and Malikappuram will take place today at 7:30 am after the Usha Pooja in the sanctum sanctorum. There are 25 candidates for Sabarimala and 15 for Malikappuram on the preliminary list.
The selection process is being overseen by Justice Ramachandran, the High Court appointed observer, and Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan, who are both present at the temple.
Meanwhile, the Pandalam Royal Family, who are responsible for the temple’s rituals, conducted a prayer ceremony at their palace yesterday, urging for a smooth pilgrimage season and requesting authorities to make necessary arrangements for the devotees.
The 26th of October will see a meeting of various Ayyappan devotee organizations to further discuss the upcoming pilgrimage season.
First Piper 