SABARIMALA: The annual four-day procession carrying the thanka anki, the attire in gold to be adorned on the idol of Lord Ayyappa here during Mandala Pooja on December 26, began the journey from Aranmula Lord Parthasarathi temple on Thursday. The specially-decorated vehicle carrying the anki set off the journey from the East Fort of the Aranmula temple at 7 am witnessed by hundreds of devotees.
Travancore Devaswom Board president Prayar Gopalakrishnan, member Ajay Tharayil, district panchayat president Annapoornadevi, district collector R Girija and district superintendent of police Harisankar were present on the occasion. The 20-member devaswom team accompanying the thanka anki was led by Aranmula devaswom assistant commissioner Rajeevkumar and Aranmula temple administrative officer Venugopal. An armed police team led by AR camp assistant commandant Sasikumar is giving security cover to the anki procession up to Sabarimala.
Reception to anki procession
Traditional reception was accorded to the anki procession on the journey at Aranmula Moorthitta Sree Ganapathi temple, Punnamthottam Devi temple, Thiruvanchakavu temple, Nedumprayar Thevalassery temple, Pampadimon Sree Subramaniaswami temple, Elanthur Narayanamangalam temple and Elavumthitta Bhagavathi temple before the first day’s halt at Omallur Sree Rakthakandaswami temple.
After leaving Omallur temple on second day on December 23, the anki procession will be given reception at Kodunthara Sree Subramaniaswami temple, Pathanamthitta Sree Dharma Sastha temple and Vettur Sree Mahavishnu temple before the second day’s halt at Konni Muringamangalam Sree Mahadeva temple.
On the third day on December 24, the anki procession will halt at Ranni-Perunad Sree Dharma Sastha temple after receptions at Vettur Sree Ayiravillan temple, Malayalappuzha Bhagavathi temple, Mekozhoor Rishikesa temple and Vadasserikkara Prayar Sree Mahavishnu temple. The anki procession will reach Sannidhanam at 6 pm after according receptions at Nilackal Sree Siva temple and Pampa Lord Ganapathi temple.
In front of golden flag mast at the sopanam, TDB president Prayar Gopalakrishnan will receive the anki. Thantri Kandararu Rajeevaru will receive the thanka anki in front of the Sreekovil and deeparadhana will be performed after adorning the anki on the idol of the Lord at 6.30 pm.