Lord Ayyappa devotees start their penance today

Today is the 1st day of the Tamil calendar month Karthigai. On this day, the ardent devotees of Lord Ayyappa who plan to visit the Sabarimala temple start their penance (Viratham in Tamil).

The penance commencement is started with the Ayyappa devotees wearing the special garland ( a neckwear) till they complete their visit. This event was performed today (Friday, 17th November) at the Arulmigu Om Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai.

The long line of the ardent devotees of Lord Ayyappa, chanting the slogan, ‘Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa’, wore their penance garlands (neckwear).