Fri Dec 26 16:54:52 UTC 2025: Summary:

The article reports on the arrival of the Thanka Anki procession at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam in Pathanamthitta, India, on December 26, 2025. The Thanka Anki, a golden attire offered by the Maharaja of Travancore, was adorned on the Ayyappa deity. This event precedes the Mandala puja, scheduled for the following day. The procession, which started from Aranmula Parthasarathy temple on December 23, passed through various locations before reaching Sabarimala. Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan greeted the procession at Pampa. The Anki was formally received by the Tantri and Melshanthi before being used to adorn the idol, followed by Deeparadhana, a ceremony attended by dignitaries.

News Article:

Golden Attire Arrives at Sabarimala, Mandala Puja Set for Tomorrow

Pathanamthitta, India – December 26, 2025 – The sacred Thanka Anki procession, carrying the golden attire to adorn Lord Ayyappa, was ceremoniously received at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam earlier today. The event marks the lead-up to the highly anticipated Mandala puja, scheduled to take place tomorrow between 10:10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. IST.

The Thanka Anki, a historic offering from the former Maharaja of Travancore, was carried in a traditional chariot procession from the Aranmula Parthasarathy temple, beginning its journey on December 23rd. Today, the procession journeyed from Perunadu Sastha temple before arriving to Pampa and greeted by Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan. After a brief stop the parade reached Saramkuthi by 5 pm.

Upon arrival at the Sannidhanam, the Thanka Anki was formally received at the Sopanam by the Tantri (chief priest) and the Melshanthi (head priest) after ascending the holy eighteen steps. The golden attire was then placed on the idol of Lord Ayyappa, followed by Deeparadhana (ceremonial waving of lamps). Travancore Devaswom Board president K. Jayakumar, Additional Director General of Police S. Sreejith, and other officials were present during the Deeparadhana.

The Mandala puja is a significant event for devotees of Lord Ayyappa and is expected to draw large crowds to the Sabarimala temple.

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