Sabarimala reopens for Makaravilakku

The sanctum sanctorum was opened at 4 p.m. on December 30, followed by the reopening of the Malikappuram Devi temple

The Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala reopened on Monday (December 30,2024) for the Makaravilakku festival.

Melsanthi (head priest) S. Arun Kumar Namboothiri reopened the sanctum sanctorum at 4 p.m., accompanied by Tantri (chief priest) Kandararu Rajeevaru. This was followed by the reopening of Malikappuram Devi Temple.

A significant number of pilgrims, particularly from neighbouring States, began their ascent to the hill shrine via Pampa and Pullumedu early in the morning.

The temple, which was closed after the Mandalam pilgrimage season on December 26, will welcome devotees until January 19. The Makaravilakku festival is set for January 14, and the temple will close for the season in the morning of January 20.

Ahead of the reopening, the Fire and Rescue Services department conducted a final cleanup of the Sannidhanam, Pathinettam Padi, Malikappuram, and the premises of the Aravana counters. Earlier, a large-scale cleanup drive from Sannidhanam to Appachimedu was carried out by various departments, Vishudhi Sena, and volunteer organisations.

Security arrangements

Meanwhile, security at Sabarimala has been reinforced by a 1,437-member team led by Crime Branch Superintendent of Police S. Madhusoodanan. Key police duty points include the sanctum sanctorum, Pathinettam Padi, Valiya Nadapanthal U-turn, Sharamkuthi, Marakoottam, Malikappuram, and Pandithavalam.

The Travancore Devaswom Board too has made extensive arrangements to accommodate the influx of devotees during the period.

Published - December 30, 2024 07:07 pm IST