October Sabarimala Pilgrimage Experience: Ayyappa Devotee Dr. P. M. K. Swamy Shares His Views
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Sabarimala, October 18, 2026: A heavy rush of devotees was reported at Sabarimala on Sunday, the first day of darshan following the temple's reopening for the five-day Thulam (Aippasi) monthly pooja. Dr. P. M. K. Swamy, an Ayyappa devotee from Chennai, shared his observations on the increasing pilgrim crowd and the challenges ahead.
According to Dr. Swamy, visuals from Sabarimala showed large crowds at Pampa, along the trekking route, at the Sannidhanam Nadapandal queue complex, near the sacred 18 steps (Pathinettam Padi), and at Sannidhanam.
He observed that by 3 am on Sunday, the queue had extended beyond Saramkuthi, with devotees gathering further along the route as they waited for the temple to open at 5 am. Even by 10 am, the crowd situation had shown little improvement.
Reflecting on the continuous flow of pilgrims, Dr. Swamy remarked that even sea tides may stop, but the tide of devotees visiting Sabarimala never seems to end. He attributed the growing rush partly to the limited number of days the temple remains open annually. According to his estimate, the shrine is open for around 120 days a year, including approximately 60 days during the pilgrimage season and another 60 days for monthly and special poojas.
He also expressed concern about how the authorities would manage the ever-increasing number of pilgrims in the coming years.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Swamy highlighted the deep spiritual connection that draws devotees to Sabarimala. He emphasised that the desire to undertake the pilgrimage comes naturally from within and cannot be forced.
"The urge to go to Sabari comes from within oneself, naturally, and not forced. Simply put: It is the Lord's call!" he said, concluding his message with the devotional chant, Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!
Dr. P. M. K. Swamy had earlier shared his pilgrimage experience following his visit to Sabarimala Sannidhanam on September 16 and 17, highlighting his observations on crowd movement and darshan arrangements.