Pathanamthitta: The chariot procession carrying the divine ornaments (Thanka Anki) of the Lord Ayyappa has begun its journey from Aranmula Sree ParthaSarathy Temple. It will reach Saramkuthi in the afternoon on 27th this month. From here, the authority will receive the divine ornaments by following the practices and traditions. When they reach Sopanam, after climbing the 18 holy steps, the priest will receive the ornaments and decorate it on the idol of the Lord Ayyappa for celebrating the Mandala Poooja.
The Thanka Anki is the ornament that was dedicated by the Travancore King to wear on the idol of Lord Ayyappa on the Mandala Pooja day. This is the first pilgrim season after the outbreak of the Covid Pandemic. Though there is a pre-booking facility, the temple premise is crowded with devotees who wait for hours in the queue to see their beloved Lord Ayyappa. In the background of the huge rush, the authority has taken strict measures to control the crowd.
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