Thanka Anki Procession Received at Sabarimala Sannidhanam

The ceremonial Thanka Anki procession carrying the sacred golden attire for Lord Ayyappa was received at Sabarimala Sannidhanam on Friday evening ahead of the Mandala Pooja. The golden attire, traditionally offered by the Travancore royal family, is an integral part of the Mandala season rituals at the hill shrine.

The procession began on December 23 from the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple and passed through several traditional halting points, including Perunadu Sastha Temple, Laha Satra, Plappally, Nilakkal Temple and Chalakayam, before reaching Pampa in the afternoon. From Pampa, the procession ascended the sacred hill via Sharankuthi following customary temple rituals.

Upon arrival at the Sannidhanam, the Thanka Anki was ceremonially carried up the holy eighteen steps, known as Pathinettampadi, and received by the temple priests. The golden attire was later adorned on the idol of Lord Ayyappa, followed by the performance of Deeparadhana in the evening.

The Mandala Pooja will be held the next morning during the auspicious muhurat, with the deity adorned in the Thanka Anki. After the completion of the Mandala Pooja rituals, the temple will close temporarily and reopen later for the Makaravilakku festival.