Sabarimala Temple Opens for Devotees Today: Check Timings

Devotees are gearing up for the pilgrimage to the Sabarimala hills to seek the blessings of Lord Ayyappa. With the onset of the auspicious Karthika Masam, a significant number of devotees from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and other states have begun wearing the traditional Mala and observing strict religious practices to worship Lord Manikanta.

The Sabarimala temple will open its doors today for the Mandala-Makaravilakku Mahapadi Pooja. At 4 PM, the temple's chief priest, PN Mahesh Namboothiri, will unlock the sanctum sanctorum and perform special rituals, marking the official commencement of the Mandala-Makaravilakku season.

Darshan Begins Saturday: Important Timings

From Saturday, devotees will be allowed to visit the temple. Pilgrims will start their journey to Sabarimala from the Pampa River banks at 11 AM. The temple will remain open until the last week of December, after which it will temporarily close. The temple will reopen during the second week of January for the Jyoti Darshan.

20 Lakh Devotees Expected This Year

The Kerala government estimates that more than 20 lakh devotees will visit Sabarimala this year, compared to last year’s footfall of over 15 lakh. Anticipating the increased numbers, preparations have been completed to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.

Kerala Government Announces Free Insurance for Pilgrims

In a significant gesture, the Kerala government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has announced a ₹5 lakh free insurance coverage for all pilgrims visiting Lord Ayyappa. This scheme, managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board, ensures compensation in case of accidents or unfortunate deaths during the pilgrimage.

In the event of a devotee's demise, the government will also cover the costs of transporting the body to their hometown.

Safety and Infrastructure Arrangements

To ensure the safety and comfort of devotees during the pilgrimage, the following measures have been implemented:

Police Deployment:

13,600 police personnel are stationed to manage crowds and ensure security.

Fire & Disaster Management:

2,500 fire and disaster response staff are on standby.

Sanitation Staff:

Over 1,000 sanitation workers will maintain cleanliness along the pilgrimage routes.

Additionally, first-aid facilities have been set up to provide immediate medical attention to devotees in case of emergencies. For those requiring advanced care, arrangements have been made to transport them swiftly to hospitals.

Special Wards Established:

Medical facilities at Nilakkal, Sannidhanam, Kottayam Medical College, Pathanamthitta, and Kanjirappally have set up dedicated wards for pilgrims.

With extensive preparations and thoughtful measures in place, the Sabarimala pilgrimage promises to be a safe and spiritual experience for devotees.