KODAKARA (THRISSUR): A 12-day Sagnika Athirathram began at the Yagasala near the Kaimukku Mana at Mattathurkunnu here on Friday morning. The Yagasala Pravesham was followed by the ritualistic Acharyavaranam of all the participating Rithwiks and Veda scholars. The Yajamanan was then readied by the Othikkans for the rituals preparatory to generating the holy fire by churning the Arani wood pieces. The churning of the Arani by the Rithwiks began around 3.35 pm and the fire sparks triggered around 3.54 pm. The fire was then transferred to the main Homa Kundam.
The whole process was completed in the precise manner in which it was prescribed to be performed by the Acharyas in an atmosphere surcharged with the sound of the Veda Mantras.
Deekshahass, Upasaddinanagal and Soothyam will mark the next 11 days of the Athirathram.
The Yaga, which is being conducted under the auspices of the Threthagni Foundation, a Kodakara-based Charitable Trust, will conclude on April 3 when the Yagasala will be set on fire after the rituals.