Neyyabhishekam

The first ritual that every Sabarimala pilgrim undertakes soon after reaching the Sannidanam and taking the 'darsan' is making preparations for Neyyabhishekam. Needless to say, Neyyabhishekam is one of the sought after offerings at the Sabarimala shrine. The ghee that forms the main ingredient of Neyyabhishekam is stuffed in raw dressed coconuts and is carried from homes or temples where the custom of Kettunira is held prior to embarking on the pilgrimage.

On reaching the Sannidanam, the pure ghee is showered on the idol at the temple. It symbolises the unison of the living soul with that of the supreme soul. According to Hindu mythology, the Atma attains liberation on being absorbed by the supreme soul. After showering ghee on the idol, half of the broken coconut is thrown to the fire place located below the steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum. The other part is taken by the prilgrims to carry back home as 'prasada'. During the pilgrimage season the Neyyabhishekam begins early at 04.15 am in the morning and continues till 11.30 pm at night. Every year the temple authorities make elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims to perform Neyyabhishekam.