Thanka Anki Procession to Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

The Thanka Anki procession to the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is an important ritual during the 41-day Mandala Pooja held at the Sabarimala Shrine. Thanka Anki is the gold ornaments that are adorned on the idol of Lord Ayyappa on the Mandala Pooja day, which marks the culmination of the 41-day Mandala Pooja. The Thanka Anki procession starts from the Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple four days prior to the Mandala Pooja day.

Thanka Anki means the Golden Attire – the Golden Attire of Lord Ayyappa, weighing 450 Sovereigns of gold. It was offered to Lord Ayyappa by Sri Chithira Thirunal, erstwhile Maharaja of Travancore in 1973.

The Thanka Anki is carried to the Sabarimala Shrine in a specially-decorated vehicle. It will visit numerous temples on its way and opportunity to darshan will be provided for Devotees. The Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple is around 100 km away from Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple.

The deeparadhana on the final day of Mandala Pooja will be performed by adorning the idol of Ayyappa with the Thanka Anki.

After the Mandala Pooja, the temple will be closed for a couple of days and will reopen for the Makaravilakku Pooja.