The Aachaarya (Thanthri), after his usual rituals, conducts preliminary rites of Guru-pooja and Ganapathi-pooja in separate swasthik-padmas. In addition, in another swasthik-padma, paddy and darbha are placed and over it a gold dish having ghee and honey and gold needle are kept and pooja done. A sayya (bed) for the deity is then made within an enclosed and decorated place at the north-east of the sreekovil. It is rectangular padma and over it peethas are made (from bottom to top) of seven layers with (i) paddy and cloth (ii) rice and cloth (ill) sesame and cloth (iv) mustard and cloth (v) darbha (vi) blanket of black colour and (vii) cotton bed. Above the peethas a satin or silk cloth is spread. Items like ashtamangala, nilavilakk (stand-lamp) and nira-para (full-heaped measure) of paddy are also kept by the side of the sayya. Then starts the important ritual with the placing of the bimba (facing in
the opposite direction of sreekovil) on the sayya by the Silpi most reverently. The Aachaarya then shows the exact position of pupils of the eyes of the bimba with the help of a gold needle. Mterwards the Silpi fully marks the eyes of bimba with great concentration. This part of the ritual is done by Aachaarya and the Silpi, sitting within a covered cloth-tent to avoid any distraction of attention besides ensuring full concentration and sanctity. After sprinkling punyaaha (purified water) the Aachaarya takes over the bimba and fill the eyes with mixture of ghee and honey. In the case of bimba of Subramanya the procedure is slightly different. When the Silpi places the bimba on the sayya the Aachaarya has to conduct a bali at its front followed by opening of eyes. For Siva-lingas also the Aachaarya has to conduct bali followed by markings of manirekha, eyes or other symbols by the Silpi. Then the Thanthri has to fill them with the mixture of ghee and honey. The Siva-linga is then kept on a peetha in upright position and then on the sayya. The Silpi is then honoured with gifts.The whole process is known as Nahra-ullekhana. The ghee and honey are removed from the eyes, manirekha or symbol as the case may be only at a later stage, ie on the sixth day when the consecreation of idol is done. The latter procedure is known as nethronmeelanam.
