Sabarimala temple opens for monthly prayers

Sabarimala: The Lord Ayyappa temple has opened for five days of prayers for the Malayalam month 'Chingam' which began on Wednesday.

The Sreekovil or sanctum sanctorum of the hill shrine was opened by head priest N Parameswaran Namboodri in the presence of the chief priest on Tuesday at 5 pm.

Later, the Head Priest lit the sacred fire place at the Lower Tirumuttom with the fire brought from the sanctum sanctorum.

Routine rituals and prayers will be performed.

After completing the monthly rituals, the temple will be closed on August 21 at 10 pm. The state-owned Kerala State Road Transport Corp (KSRTC) began special services for devotees. (UNI)