Sannidhanam : The police has asked to stretch the time for ghee anoint, the main offering to Lord Ayyappa. No one will be allowed to stay at Sannidhanam at night. This new rule by the police is affecting the ghee anoint which starts early in the morning. The police asks for more time for the anoint is to ensure all the pilgrims get a chance for the ritual.
Ghee anoint which is the main offering to the deity which begins at 3.30 am and ends by noon.
The coconuts filled with ghee is carried in the irumudikett from the devotee’s home the ghee filled poured to ghee anointing and is used to anoint the idol. After this one half of the coconut is thrown to the huge fire near to the 18 holy steps and the other half is taken back home as prasada. When the pilgrims are restricted in Sannidhanam at night this ritual is badly affected.
The police explains their action of forceful evacuation as, last time problems were created by the pilgrims who stayed at Sannidhanam.