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SABARIMALA, INDIA: November 16, 2002: The Lord Ayyappa temple was opened this afternoon for the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage, one of South India’s largest religious events. The Melsanthi, A. R. Raman Nampoothiri, opened the sanctum and lit a traditional lamp amid chants of “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa,” at 5:30 p.m. The new Melsanthi (chief priest), Perikamana Sankara Narayanan Nampoothiri, of Pinarayi Ganapathibhadram, ascended the holy 18 solid-gold-clad steps when the gates were opened. The installation of Sankara Narayanan Nampoothiri as new Sabarimala Melsanthi was done by the Thantri (priest), Kantaru Mohanaru, later in the evening. The Thantri poured kalasom (holy water) on the new Melsanthi as part of the installation ceremony. Hundreds of devotees thronged the Sannidhanam to witness the ceremony. Additionally, this year the Government and the Travancore Devasthanam Board (TDB) have taken all possible measures for the smooth conduct of the annual festival. Local hospitals will operate around the clock during the two-month-long pilgrimage season. Also, heavy vehicles will not be permitted to Pampa. Passengers must disembark at Nilackal and continue their journey to Pampa. The TDB has also set up temporary stalls at nine points on the Pampa Sannidhanam trekking path to supply medicated drinking water, biscuits, tea and coffee.

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