The new head priest opened the sanctum sanctorum at 4 a.m
Kochi: The two-month-long annual pilgrimage season at the hill shrine of Sabarimala got underway when new Melshanthi S.E. Sankaran Namboothiri performed regular ‘poojas’ early on Tuesday, the first day of Malayalam month ‘Vrischikam.’
A heavy rush was witnessed on the opening day. However, the new queue complex opened near Saramkutti was a big relief for the devotees waiting in long queues.
The new head priest opened the sanctum sanctorum at 4 a.m. and Thantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohaner performed the ‘Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathihomam.’ The regular rituals followed thereafter.
Meanwhile, Devaswom Minister V.S. Sivakumar said the state government was considering deployment of house surgeons and nursing students in the 24 emergency health centres opened along the Pampa-Sabarimala trekking route.
“This year the health department has increased the health centres to 24 from three last season. All other departments concerned too should strive to ensure a smooth pilgrimage,” he said.
He also inaugurated a plastic-exchange kiosk at Pampa and launched the Mission Green Sabarimala project.
Meanwhile, Devaswom Board president Prayar Gopalakrishnan said those who discard cloths at the holy river Pampa could get jail term up to six years.
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( Source : deccan chronicle )
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