Thiruvabharanam - Holy Ornaments
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Thiruvabharanam - Holy Ornaments |
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Makaravilakku marks the
grand finale of the two-month period of the Sabarimala pilgrimage. This follows
the arrival of 'Thiruvabharanam' from Pandalam to Sannidhanam.
Three days prior to this , the procession carrying the holy caskets containing the sacred ornaments , as also other relics and paraphernalia needed for special poojas at Sabarimala , starts on its long trek from Pandalam. A scion of the Pandalam royal family , chosen and blessed by the Valiya Thampuran (Senior Raja) accompanies the procession in a palanquin (pallakku). |
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On 28th Dhanu (around 12th January), the day the procession is to start, at 4 in the morning , the holy boxes are taken from Srampickal palace and moved to the temple for viewing and worship. 'Darshan' of the Ornaments and rendering of offerings to them on this occasion are believed to be highly auspicious and beneficial.
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Thousands
queue by the sacred pieces now. At around 1 o'clock in the afternoon , a
brahminy kite (popularly known as 'krishnapparunthu') is sighted circling
majestically far above the temple. Devotees believe that this is Lord Vishnu
upon 'Garuda' accompanying the Thiruvabharanam from Pandalam through Sabarimala
where again the kite is found hovering above the temple synchronizing with the
arrival of the procession there. The chanting of the Lord's name rises to a
thunderous crescendo at the sight of the kite and deafening explosions of
crackers rend the air. The Boxes are closed and taken out of the temple by
specially deputed bearers. |
The ValiyaThampuran has already arrived in royal style from his Palace to the
temple and is by now inside the temple to offer 'vibhuthy' to the members of the
procession as also to his nephew whom he has chosen to escort the
Thiruvabharanam. The delegation of authority and responsibility by the Senior
Raja to his representative is symbolized by the former handing over a sword to
the latter.
The procession is now ready to start. The frenzied movements of the bearers of
the boxes, the rising tempo of the devotees chanting 'Swamiye-Ayyappo', the
exploding fireworks, The Pandalam Raja accompanying the Thiruvabharanam in his
palanquin, the infectious excitement of the surging crowds and the seemingly
unperturbed hovering of the 'krishnapparunthu' far above-all make up an
indescribably magnificent moment when the journey starts for the distant hill
shrine, marking the fulfillment of a vow, the consummation of a dream, the
vindication of a faith.
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The procession takes the age-old route through village roads, across rivers and up and down hills. The Raja (Thampuran) and other members are accorded reception at various places by various devotee-groups, including tribals. All through the procession , people in large numbers pay their respects to the Raja and receive 'vibhuthy' from him. After scheduled halts at Ayroor-Puthiyukavu and Laha, the procession reaches Valiyanavattom(Pampa) on the 3rd day(1st Makaram). From there the Thiruvabharanam proceeds through the traditional forest route to Saramkuthi while the Thampuran (Raja) and his aides go to the Rajamandapam near the Pampa Ganapathy temple and stay there. |
For Information about Thiruvabharanam
at Sannidhanam go to link
Makaravilakku
For information about the Raja at Sannidhanam during the Makaravilakku go to link Pandalam Raja At Sannidhanam.
Thiruvabharanam
Return Journey
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