Manarcad team offers kanikka in Sannidhanam

The Manarcad team, traditional guides of tantri and melsanthi to Sabarimala, reached Sannidhanam as part of their annual visit to offer kanikka to Lord Ayyappa.


The kanikka (bag with sovereigns) covered in blue silk was placed before the shrine soon after the ucha puja at the sanctum sanctorum.


The team consisting of 43 persons from Manarcad in Kottayam reached Sannidhanam on Monday morning. Led by Periya Swami Ravi Manohar they trekked through the traditional route — through the forest from Azhutha via Karimala and Pamba to reach Sabarimala.


“The team started their journey on Saturday from Manarcad Devi temple and reached Erumeli. After Pettah thullal we trekked via the traditional path to reach Sanidhanam.


This is the eighteenth year the team led by S. Rajappan, Periya Swami; P. Mohanachandran, secretary, Manarcad Devaswom and M.N. Saseendhran, have visited,’’ Ravi Manohar who led the team told Deccan Chronicle.


“Earlier the team used to visit the shrine during Makaravilikku. But it changed the time of its visit after suggestions from an astrologer,’’ he added.