50 Lakh Aravana Tins, 22 Prasadam Distribution Counters at Sabarimala When Temple Opens on November 17; Rest Facilities Arranged for Pilgrims
Thiruvananthapuram: Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) President K. Jayakumar has said that all arrangements are being made to ensure a smooth and hassle-free darshan for pilgrims at Sabarimala during the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku season.
The Sabarimala temple will open at 4 pm on November 16. Jayakumar said all major civil works have been completed, with only a few minor works remaining. Stainless steel seating facilities have been installed at various locations along the trekking route to provide rest for pilgrims.
At Nilakkal, coolers will be installed inside the German tent, which can accommodate around 6,000 people. Additional facilities have also been arranged for the distribution of Aravana prasadam.
Five additional Aravana counters have been sanctioned, taking the total number of distribution counters to 22. Of these, 19 will be operated by Dhanlaxmi Bank and three by South Indian Bank. Five Aravana kiosks operated by South Indian Bank will also be installed.
The Board will also introduce postal delivery of Aravana for devotees who request the service. A total of 14 offerings counters will be available. Digital payments will be given priority, although cash payments will also be accepted.
Jayakumar said 50 lakh tins of Aravana would be available when the temple opens for the first day of the Vrischikam month(November 17). Adequate stocks of Appam will also be maintained. He assured pilgrims that there would be no shortage of either Aravana or Appam during the pilgrimage season.
He also announced that pilgrims booking darshan through the Virtual Queue system would receive life insurance coverage of Rs 2 lakh in the event of death during the pilgrimage. The coverage will include a total period of three days, taking into account the day before the booked date and the day after it. Nominee details will be collected during the booking process.
On the supply of ghee, the TDB president said Milma had received vigilance clearance to resume supplies to Sabarimala. He said his earlier statement that Milma ghee would not be purchased might have been made due to a moment of human weakness.
The ghee will be transported to Sabarimala in Milma's own armoured vehicles and purchased at Rs 660 per litre. According to Jayakumar, Milma had quoted a rate lower than the prices offered by other participants in the tender.
Around 5,000 litres of ghee have already reached Sabarimala, and another 5,000 litres will be delivered shortly. The remaining quantity will be supplied to Sannidhanam after the completion of the contract formalities.
Jayakumar also said parking would be permitted at Chakkupalam in Pampa this season.
Meanwhile, Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan said he was satisfied with the preparations for the 2026–27 Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.