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How does Makara Jyothi work?
Each year, the Makara Jyoti sees the lighting of a divine lamp called the Makara Vilakku at Sabarimala. As devotees gather at the temple in the thousands, a faraway speck of light appears in the mountains.
What is the difference between Makara Jyothi and Makaravilakku?
What he said was that the Makarajyothi was a star in the sky and Makaravilakku was a traditional symbolic ‘deeparadhana’ at Ponnambalamedu. The Jyothi was a celestial phenomenon, but the Vilakku was a fire lit for the deeparadhana by people. In the past, tribal families used to light this fire.
Who is lighting Makaravilakku?
For the past several years, the Makaravilakku has been lit by government officials instead. They are from the Kerala State Electricity Board and the state’s Forest Department. The lighting is done by burning camphor taken up to the mountaintop in a vessel.
How does Makaravilakku happen?
It is performed by lighting camphor and ghee in a vessel and is circled around the idol 3 times. This lamp or fire is what we see from the Sabarimalai temple and call it Makara Jyothi but the fire in the Ponnabalamedu is the actual Makaravilakku.
Which day is Makara Jyothi?
January 14
Makaravilakku, for the year 2022, will be observed on January 14, just on the day of Makar Sankranti. In the evening, the sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa, who is believed to have lived at Pandalam palace (some 80 km away), would be brought to Sabarimala shrine from the palace in a procession.
What is the time of Sabarimala Jyothi?
The ritual of ‘deeparadhana’ took place between 6.30-6.45 pm, following which the ‘Makara Jyoti’ appeared on the Ponnambalamedu hill – situated 8 km away – facing the temple.
Which demon was killed by Ayyappa?
Mahishi (demoness)
Mahishi was a she-buffalo demoness and she is the sister of her deceased brother the Mahishasura. She was killed by the celibate god Ayyappa in Hindu mythology.
What time is Makaravilakku?
At 6.30 pm, ‘Deeparadhana’ (offering of light) will be conducted to the deity. Sabarimala: Makaravilakku will be celebrated on Friday at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam. The ‘Makara Jyothi’ will appear in the sky on Friday evening. Sankrama Puja and ‘Abhishekam’ will be offered on Friday at 2.29 am.
Which demon did Ayyappa killed?
The water buffalo demon Mahishasura was killed by goddess Durga, while the water demoness Mahishasuri was killed by Ayyapan, ending the terror of evil and liberating divine Lila who was previously cursed.