Vishukani

Alongside the esteemed Guruvayur temple, Sabarimala stands as a revered pilgrimage site where tens of thousands of devotees converge during the auspicious month of Medam (April-May) to witness the divine Vishukani. On Vishu day, a special display known as Vishukani is arranged, featuring a mirror, fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and a new set of clothes. The purpose of the Vishukani is to begin the new year by viewing these auspicious items as the first sight in the morning. In April, the temple gates of Sabarimala open for the sacred Vishu Poojas (rituals), with the sanctified doors remaining open for 8 to 10 days during this period. In the days leading up to Vishu, the temple gates are unlocked, and a series of devout rituals dedicated to Lord Ayyappan are performed. Near the sacred Pathinettampadi (18 steps), the sub-deity shrines are also unveiled, signified by the lighting of a ceremonial lamp.

On the eve of Vishu, after the completion of the regular poojas (rituals), the preparation of the kani (auspicious items) for Lord Ayyappan commences. The chief priest, in collaboration with other priests, meticulously prepares the kani, filling large vessels predominantly with dry rice and paddy. Within these, a special section is reserved for coconuts. The kani for Lord Ayyappan is an elaborate affair, with plates adorned with marigolds, cucumbers, jackfruit, mangoes, a variety of fruits, clothes, oil lamps, gold and silver coins, and an additional silver bowl brimming with coins. Following this preparation, the temple gates are ceremoniously closed.

At the early hour of three o'clock in the morning, the chief priest reopens the temple gates, ignites the lamps within the sanctum sanctorum, and begins the initial worship of Lord Ayyappa. By 4 o'clock, tens of thousands of devotees enjoy the divine opportunity to behold the holy sight, receiving blessings in the form of cucumbers, flowers, fruits and grains. The head priest and chief priest bestow the sacred Vishu kaineetam (Vishu gifts) upon temple employees, policemen and other officials. The Vishukani darshan (auspicious viewing) at Sabarimala extends from 4 am to 7 am, succeeded by the customary Abhishekam (ritual bathing), morning pooja, and Ghee Abhishekam (ritual anointing of the idol with ghee).

Following the Vishukani darshan, the temple gates are once again closed at 1 pm, only to reopen at 5 pm. The day's devotions culminate with the night pooja (ritual) and the soul-stirring rendition of Harivarasanam, after which the gates are closed for the night. The poojas encompass various sacred rituals such as Padipooja (ritual at the steps), Udayastamana Pooja (ritual from dawn to dusk), and others, with the added grandeur of Laksharchana (chanting of a thousand names) performed in reverence to Ayyappa Sahasranama. On Vishu day, devotees arrive bearing flowers and fruits to offer to Lord Ayyappa. Upon the conclusion of the Medamasa Poojas, as per tradition, Lord Ayyappan is allowed to relapse into a state of yoga nidra (yogic sleep) in the sanctified Sannidhanam (sanctum sanctorum).