The Makaravilakku Mahotsavam at Kent Ayyappa Temple is set to be observed with deep devotion this year. The celebrations are scheduled to take place at the temple on Monday, January 15, 2024, commencing from 10:00 AM until 5:30 PM. Devotees engaging in the essential rituals linked to Makaravilakku will partake in diverse ceremonies, encompassing Ganapathi Homam, Kettunira, Neyyabhishekam, Neyvilakku, Neeranjanam, Elluthiri, and other customary poojas held during this period. Those interested in joining these poojas are encouraged to reach out to the temple via email at kentayyappatemple@gmail.com, including their contact number. Participants in the Neeranjanam ceremony are kindly urged to bring a coconut, and those taking part in the Vilakku (Lamp) Pooja should bring their lamp, coconut, and puja flowers.
On the day of the Makaravilakku celebration, Ayyappa Bhajans and other poojas, such as Sahasranamarchana, Ashtottara Archana, Deeparadhana, Padipooja, Harivarasanam, Prasadam distribution, and Annadanam, will take place from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the School Hall of Byron Primary School, Byron Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5XX, United Kingdom. ‘Thatvamasi UK’ will be at the forefront, leading the Ayyappa Bhajans.
In response to the growing influx of Ayyappa devotees from across the UK, the Kent Ayyappa Temple, initially situated at the Medway Hindu Mandir, temporarily shifted to a new location in November 2023, with plans underway for constructing a new temple complex dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
Significantly, the Kent Ayyappa Temple has undergone temporary relocation to facilitate daily worship activities, providing temporary facilities for Lord Ayyappa devotees until a new permanent location is established.
The poojas at the Kent Ayyappa Temple are conducted under the guidance of the priest Sri Abhijit, and the organisers extend a warm welcome to all individuals, regardless of caste, religion, colour, or language.
For further information, feel free to contact Kent Ayyappa Temple via email at kentayyappatemple@gmail.com or kenthindusamajam@gmail.com. Additional details can be found on the websites: www.kentayyappatemple.org / www.kenthindusamajam.org, and social media platforms: https://www.facebook.com/kenthindusamajam.kent /
