Makara Jyothi Darshan at Sabarimala Enthralls Devotees
Ayyappa devotees have long cherished the desire to witness the divine "Makara Jyothi" or "Makara Vilakku" at least once in their lifetime at Sabarimala. Every year, on the auspicious occasion of Sankranti, this celestial light is seen atop the Kanthamala peak in the Ponnambalamedu hills near the Sabarimala temple.
Today, as part of the Sankranti celebrations, the Makara Jyothi appeared on the Ponnambalamedu hills in the evening. Thousands of devotees, considering the Makara Jyothi a divine manifestation of Lord Ayyappa, were overwhelmed with joy as they witnessed the sacred light. The chants of "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" reverberated through the Sabarimala hills as the Jyothi appeared.
Approximately 1.5 lakh devotees are estimated to have witnessed the Makara Jyothi in person. In anticipation of the large crowd, extensive security arrangements were made to ensure the safety of pilgrims and prevent any untoward incidents at Sabarimala.