Pathanamthitta, Friday 25 December 2009: Preparations have been completed for the Mandala Pooja, marking the conclusion of the 41-day first-phase of the annual pilgrimage season, scheduled to be held during the auspicious time between 11.50 a.m. and 12.20 p.m. on Saturday.

The Mandala Pooja will be performed after adorning the Thanka Anki, the golden attire, on the idol of Lord Ayyappa by Thantri Kandararu Maheswararu in the presence of Melsanthi G Vishnu Nampoothiri.

Before the ritual, Kalabhabhishekam will be conducted on the idol of Lord Ayyappa by the thantri. Prior to the abhishekam, Kalabhakalasa Pooja will be conducted by the thantri at the Nalambalam, followed by the procession carrying the Kalabhakalasam by the Melsanthi. Neyyabhishekam:

In connection with the Mandala Pooja preparations, Neyyabhishekam timing will be restricted from 4.15 a.m. to 7.15 a.m. on Saturday.

Nada closure: The Lord Ayyappa temple will be closed after the Mandala Pooja celebrations at 10 p.m.on Saturday. Temple reopens on December 30: The hill shrine will be reopened for the 20- day Makaravilaku season, the final-phase of the annual pilgrimage, on December 30 evening.