Makar Sankranti 2023: The people of Kerala society celebrate the festival of Makar Sankranti with pomp in the capital.
People of Kerala society in the capital celebrate the festival of Makar Sankranti with pomp. On this morning, 18 steps, which are considered sacred, will be opened in the Lord Ayyappa temple at Tatibandh. This staircase is opened only once a year. Only those devotees who are completing 41 days of rigorous penance will be able to go up these stairs. His penance of 35 days has been completed. The penance will be completed on 14th January. Other devotees will have darshan from the way behind the temple like on normal days.
Kerala's Sabari Mala follows the tradition like the temple
The 40-year-old temple at Tatibandh follows the tradition of the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. The temple was established in 1982. Scholar priests from the famous temple located in Kerala had come to perform the puja.
Significance of 18 sacred stairs
The 18 stairs of the temple have special significance. In these, the first five steps are related to the five senses of man. The next eight steps represent human emotions, then three steps human qualities and the last two steps symbolize knowledge and ignorance.
Climbing the ladder with a bundle on the head
Fasting for 41 days, only those who follow the rules are allowed to climb the ladder to have the darshan of Shanishwarar Lord Ayyappa enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum. Devotees go to the temple with a potli on their heads.
Nau Graha Temple
Apart from Lord Ayyappa, nine planetary shrines are established below the temple. Thiru Utsavam is celebrated here every year from 19 to 24 January. After Abhishek, and Ganpati Puja from 4.30 am, the devotees will climb the holy stairs. Deep worship at 6.30 pm and Bhog Puja will be done after Aarti.
Sabarimala lights up in the sky
It is believed that in the main temple located at Sabarimala in Kerala, Makar Jyoti is seen shining in the night sky. Thousands of devotees from all over the country come to Kerala to have a glimpse of this light.
Thousands of lights will light up
On the night of Makar Sankranti in the temple of Tatibandh, the devotees themselves will light the lamp. Thousands of lamps will be lit from the main gate to the inner courtyard, stairs, and dome of the temple by decorating attractive rangoli.