On the first day of Karthigai, a large number of Ayyappa devotees thronged the Siddhapudur Ayyappa temple early in the morning, to wear 'Mala.' The chief priest of the temple initiated the ceremony for the devotees.
Coimbatore: On the first day of Karthigai, Ayyappa devotees preparing themselves for the Sabarimala pilgrimage began their fast by taking part in the ceremony of wearing the 'Ayyappa Mala.'
Hundreds of devotees had 'darshan' and then wore the 'malas' at the famous Siddhapudur Ayyappan temple in Coimbatore, from early Thursday morning.
At the Sabarimala Ayyappan temple in the state of Kerala, special pujas are held for 60 days from the 1st of the month of Karthigai, every year, in view of Mandal Makara Lampu Puja.
Accordingly, on the first day of Karthigai this year, Ayyappa devotees gather in various important temples in Coimbatore to begin fasting and wear 'mala' in preparation for the Sabarimala pilgrimage.
Due to the auspicious day, the Ayyappa devotees were seen thronging the Ayyappa and Vinayagar temples.
The devotees began the fast with devotion chanting 'Samiye Saranam Ayyappa.'
Devotees also thronged the shops in front of the Siddhapudur Ayappa temple that were selling various types of 'mala' including sandalwood, tulsimala, and the black and blue 'Ayyappa Dhotis' worn by the devotees.