Sabarimala: Pilgrims Wait Up to Five Hours in Queue
Sabarimala is witnessing heavy crowd pressure for the fourth consecutive day after the temple opened for the Makaravilakku festival. Pilgrims had to wait up to five hours yesterday to climb the sacred Pathinettam Padi (18 holy steps). From Saramkuthi onwards, devotees were made to stand in long queues, causing severe fatigue. Even pilgrims arriving with infants were not allowed to leave the queue.
At the Saramkuthi area, the queue moves only after standing for at least ten minutes at a time. During peak rush hours, children had to wait for three to four hours and were seen exhausted. Many parents were forced to carry their children. Separate queues for women and children are available only at the large Nadappanthal at Sannidhanam. Reaching this point from Marakkoottam with children is very difficult.
The Devaswom Board is distributing hot herbal water (chukku vellam) to pilgrims waiting in the queue to climb the 18 steps. Biscuits are provided only at a few locations. Elderly pilgrims also become extremely tired after standing for four to five hours. Due to lack of food availability, patients are unable to take medicines on time.
At times, the speed of allowing pilgrims onto the 18 steps slows down. To prevent the queue from increasing, at least 70 pilgrims must climb the steps every minute. Any delay doubles the waiting time. As per official data till 3 pm yesterday, 58,804 pilgrims had darshan, including 5,752 through spot booking.
Rapid Action Force Deployed
Along with the Kerala Police, a 140-member battalion of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed at Sabarimala since the opening of the temple for the Mandala season. The unit is led by Deputy Commandant Biju Raman and includes a 30-member quick response team.
The RAF is stationed at key locations such as Marakkoottam, Nadappanthal, Thirumuttam, Defence Morcha, Sannidhanam, Bhasmakulam, and the Aravana distribution centre. Authorities have stated that additional personnel will be deployed in view of the Makaravilakku festival.