Darshan timings extended at Sabarimala
Kochi: The Sabarimala Ayyappa temple will have extended darshan timings for rest of the 'Mandalam' season with the temple opening at 3 am instead of 4 am in view of heavy rush. The shrine closes after Utchapuja at 1 pm and will reopen at 3 pm instead of 4 pm for the evening rituals and close at 11 pm after the Athazhapuja.
"The extended darshan timing is being facilitated in view of the heavy rush. To deal with the situation, the Kerala police too deployed 1500 police personnel at various spots in Sannidhanam including Malikappuram, Paandithavalom, Marakkoottom, Saramkuthi, U-Turn, Valiya Nadappanthal, Holy 18-Steps, Tirumuttom and Sopanam," said a TDB official.
Meanwhile, the "Panthrandu vilakku", to commemorate the 'Ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu', was observed with the performance of 'Kalabhabhishekom' pooja. Chief priest (Tantri), Kandararu Maheswararu Mohanararu, assisted by the head priest (Melsanthi) A V Unnikrishnan Namboodiri performed the special pooja.