Tue Jan 14 12:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Sabarimala Makaravilakku Lights Up Amidst Tens of Thousands of Devotees
**Sabarimala, Kerala:** The much-anticipated Makaravilakku ceremony at Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple culminated today with the lighting of the sacred Makaravilakku atop Ponnambalamedu. Tens of thousands of Ayyappa devotees witnessed the event, filling the air with fervent chants of “Sharanam.”
The ceremony commenced with the Makara Sankranti pooja at 2:30 AM. The highly anticipated arrival of the Thiruvabharanam (sacred ornaments) procession from Pandalam reached the Sannidhanam at 6:25 PM, ascending the 18 holy steps at 6:30 PM. Following the Deeparadhana (ceremony of lighting lamps) for the Ayyappan deity adorned in Thiruvabharanam, the temple doors opened at 6:42 PM, and just two minutes later, at 6:44 PM, the Makaravilakku was lit three times, visible from Ponnambalamedu.
Devotees, who had patiently awaited the spectacle, expressed immense joy and fulfillment. The Sannidhanam and vantage points were packed with pilgrims well before the event. Heavy police security was in place throughout the area. The entry of pilgrims was restricted to 12 PM today due to the Thiruvabharanam procession. An estimated two lakh devotees visited Sabarimala for Makaravilakku this year. Thiruvabharanam darshan will continue from January 15th to 17th.
The event was a significant religious occasion, showcasing a spectacular display of devotion and faith.
First Piper 