Pathanamthitta, Nov. 16 -- Newly appointed Travancore Devaswom Board President K Jayakumar visited Sabarimala Sannidhanam on Sunday as the temple opened for the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage.

In the presence of Tantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru, the Sabarimala temple opened for the pilgrimage season with large numbers of devotees arriving at the hill shrine.

Melshanthi Arun Kumar Namboothiri opened the sanctum sanctorum and then descended the 18 sacred steps to light the Aazhi using the lamp brought from the sanctum. He later led the newly appointed Melshanthis, who were waiting below the steps with their Irumudikettu, to the Sannidhanam. At the Sabarimala Sopanam, the Tantri performed the rituals and appointed ED Prasad Namboo...