Heavy Rush at Sabarimala Delays Sanctum Closing Time
PATHANAMTHITTA: Due to the large number of devotees at Sabarimala, The sanctum sanctorum stayed open later than its usual closing time on Friday. A long queue of pilgrims, stretching for several kilometres, was observed within the temple premises.
Neyyabhishekam is not available today; only ghee exchange is permitted.
In view of the unprecedented crowd, the sanctum sanctorum was closed on Friday with the Harivarasanam hymn at 11:25 p.m. Even at that hour, a large number of devotees remained gathered near the sacred 18 steps, extending from the big walkthrough to Sharamkuthi.
Devotees were permitted to climb the holy steps only after the sanctum reopened at 3 a.m. today. Police have intensified security checks across the area, and strict regulations have been enforced for the ghee anointing ritual. Pilgrims are not allowed to hand over ghee directly to the sanctum.
Enhanced security arrangements have been deployed at Sannidhanam and Pamba, marking an unprecedented level of vigilance this year. Tractor services between Pamba and Sannidhanam were disrupted due to the heavy rush, and even the tractor carrying milk to the devaswom mess was temporarily halted.