Sabarimala temple to open for Makaravilakku Mahotsavam
Marking the beginning of the second phase of the annual pilgrimage season, the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple will open on Tuesday for the Makaravilakku festival. The sanctum sanctorum will be opened at 5 p.m. by Melsanti (head priest) E.D. Prasad in the presence of Tantri (chief priest) Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru. Pilgrims will be allowed to climb the sacred 18 holy steps after the lighting of the Aazhi.
A large number of devotees, especially from neighbouring States, are expected to visit the temple during this period.
The temple was closed on December 27 following the conclusion of the 41-day Mandalam pilgrimage season. During this season, 36.33 lakh devotees had darshan at Sabarimala. Of these, 30.91 lakh pilgrims booked darshan through the virtual queue system, 4.12 lakh through spot bookings, and 1.29 lakh arrived via the Pullumedu route. In comparison, 32.49 lakh devotees visited the temple during the Mandalam season last year.
The temple recorded a total revenue of ₹332.77 crore during the season, an increase from ₹297.06 crore collected in the previous year.
Preparations and Health Measures
Cleaning and sanitation activities are currently underway across the Sabarimala hillock and surrounding areas, with coordination among various government departments and support from volunteers. The Health Department has made arrangements to handle medical emergencies, including maintaining a reserve list of doctors and ensuring adequate availability of medicines.
Ambulances and medical teams will be stationed at key locations such as Pampa Hilltop, Triveni Bridge, Pampa KSRTC Stand, Chalakayam, Ilavumkal, Nellimala, Panjippara, Angamoozhi, and Valiyanavattam. Special medical teams will also be deployed near the Sannidhanam, Bailey Bridge, and the Pandithavalam emergency treatment centre. In addition to the 12 ambulances already in service, 27 more ambulances will be deployed during the Makaravilakku festival. A special control room will function at the Taluk and Pathanamthitta District Medical Offices.
During the Mandalam season, around 1.49 lakh pilgrims received medical treatment at government hospitals in the pilgrimage zone. The District Food Safety Department conducted 1,728 inspections, issuing notices to 94 establishments for hygiene violations. Fines amounting to ₹2 lakh were imposed on 35 establishments for serious violations, and 803 food samples were sent for laboratory testing.